JUNE 2026

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35 Mai Tawhiti is preparing to represent Aotearoa at the 2026 Waka Ama World Championships in Singapore, carrying with them the pride of their whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities.

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The team includes Lisa Grace, Debra Rasmussen, Angela Rasmussen, Katerina Ngarimu, Lillian Hodgson, and Rebecca Hoani. Together, they will compete against some of the world's best paddlers at one of the sport's most prestigious international events.

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The Waka Ama World Championships bring together elite crews from around the world to compete across a range of divisions, celebrating not only high-performance sport but also the rich culture, traditions, and values that are deeply embedded in waka ama.

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Qualifying for the championships is the culmination of months of commitment, discipline, and perseverance. In preparation for Singapore, the team has balanced early morning and late-night training sessions, gym workouts, fundraising, and the demands of work and whānau life.

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The journey to Singapore has required commitment, resilience, and sacrifice. Balancing priorities has meant making difficult choices along the way, but every challenge has strengthened the team's resolve and brought them one step closer to achieving their goal of representing Aotearoa on the world stage.

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For Lisa Grace, representing Aotearoa is about much more than competition. It is an opportunity to honour her whakapapa and proudly represent Ngāti Porou on the world stage.

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Lisa says her connection to Ngāti Porou continues to guide her journey as both an athlete and a person.

"I am Ngāti Porou through and through. Knowing where I come from, understanding who I am, and carrying the strength of my whānau, hapū, and iwi with me gives me purpose and direction. It keeps me grounded while also inspiring me to work towards my goals."

That sense of identity and purpose is shared throughout the team, who have drawn strength from their whakapapa and the unwavering support of their whānau and communities throughout their journey to the World Championships.

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Team mate Katerina Ngarimu says the opportunity to compete on the world stage is the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

"It has been a goal of mine since I first started Waka Ama. To have the opportunity to represent my whānau, hapū, and iwi is something I am proud of. More importantly, I hope my journey shows my tamariki never to give up and to keep striving for bigger things."

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Their message to whānau and rangatahi is one of perseverance and self-belief. They encourage others to back themselves, embrace opportunities, and never be afraid to step outside their comfort zones. While success requires commitment and hard work, they hope their journey shows that anything is possible when you are willing to put in the effort.

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As they prepare to travel to Singapore, 35 Mai Tawhiti will proudly represent Aotearoa while carrying the mana of their whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities onto the international stage.

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Toitū Ngāti Porou extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to 35 Mai Tawhiti as they prepare to compete at the Waka Ama World Championships. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievement and wish the team every success in Singapore

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