Spaces are filling fast for EIT’s new programme centred on waka ama, which is being led by two of
the region’s top experts.

Student liaison administrator Kiwi Campbell, who is one of the country’s top waka ama coaches, has been appointed to lead the practical aspects.

Horouta Waka Hoe Club president Walton Walker, a noted Māori historian and cultural advisor for Gisborne District Council, will lead the mātauranga Māori components.

The level 3 New Zealand Certificate programme will cover all aspects of this indigenous sport, including its cultural significance and the traditional practices of respect and healthy living associated with it. Te reo Māori will be naturally integrated throughout the curriculum.

As well as teaching paddling and enhancing performance on the water, Kiwi Campbell, will cover subjects like fitness and wellbeing, health and safety.

Campbell, who is known for her motivational skills, says the programme is suitable for all ages, aimed at lifting the physical and psychological wellbeing of whānau, hapū, iwi and the  local community.

The programme, Te Pōkaitahi Tikanga (Waka Ama) (Kaupae 3) – NZ Certificate in Tikanga (Waka Ama) (Level 3), has been organised to suit a broad range of people, including  those working full time. It will include three weekend noho (marae-based weekend workshops) and evening classes.

Walton Walker will lead the mātauranga Māori aspects, covering knowledge originating from Māori ancestors, Māori perspectives, Māori creativity and Māori cultural practices.

Te Ūranga Waka, EIT’s School of Māori Studies, is introducing the programme in Hawke’s Bay and at Te Whatukura, School of Māori Studies, in Tairāwhiti.

The new programme reflects the rapidly growing level of interest in the sport and lifestyle of waka ama, says Pareputiputi Nuku, pouarataki (head) of Te Ūranga Waka.

“The over-arching aim is to expand the offerings of Te Ūranga Waka and Te Whatukura and diversify our programme portfolio.”

Kiwi Campbell, of Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Whānau ā Apanui  and Ngāti Porou has twice been named as Coach of the Year in the national Māori Sports Awards. She is coach and lead paddler for New Zealand’s Elites’ premier women paddlers and mentor for many Horouta Waka Hoe teams.

Individually, she has amassed many gold medals in New Zealand and overseas.

According to Walton Walker, she is a large part of the reason the Horouta club has been the national champion club for seven of the eight years the title has been awarded.