Waka Ama – Hawkes Bay

Time

  • 2:00 pm

Date

  • 19/10/2025

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • Hawkes Bay

In October, VOYCE partnered with Heretaunga Ararau o Ngāti Kahungunu Waka Ama Rōpū and Sport Hawke’s Bay to host an energising Waka Ama tūhono for care experienced rangatahi across Hawke’s Bay. Led by Naomi from the Coast Team, the event brought together 18 tamariki and rangatahi aged 10–17 and 8 caregivers from multiple locations for a day on the water.

Rangatahi hit the waka (canoe) with enthusiasm, paddling hard, laughing, and forming meaningful connections with others who understand their journey. Many participants were trying Waka Ama for the first time, and the excitement was palpable:

  • “This is mean as!”
  • “I’ve never done this before but I loved it!”

The club was so impressed by the rangatahi’s energy and engagement that they’ve invited VOYCE back, offering ongoing classes for both our team and rangatahi, which is so lovely and we’re so grateful for community support like this.

Thanks to the support of Sport Hawke’s Bay, this event exemplified the power of collaboration, creating a fun, empowering, and inclusive space where rangatahi in care can connect, grow, and feel celebrated.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.