See below the results of the Waka Ama New Zealand Long Distance Nationals as reported by Julie Tangaere, (Te Rau Oranga O Ngāti Kahungunu Waka Ama Club Inc.)

The Waka Ama New Zealand Long Distance Nationals (LDNs) was hosted by Te Waka Pounamu region in Picton this weekend. Approx 750 paddlers making up entries in W1, W2 and W6 age group divisions rolled in on ferries and flights to race and experience stunning views of the Queen Charlotte Sounds.

Waka Ama Kahungunu was represented by all 5 local Hawkes Bay clubs - Haeata, Heretaunga, Te Rau Oranga o Ngāti Kahungunu, Maraenui and Takitimu. Our paddlers did extremely well and travel home today with a number of medals:

- 7 Gold

- 9 Silver

- 5 Bronze

GOLD:

Myka Nuku (Haeata) - Senior Master Men W1 ruddered 16km

Annie Cairns (Haeata) - Open Women W1 ruddered 16km

Greg Ross & Rodney Collier (Haeata) - Senior Master Men W2 16km

Team Thorpe (Heretaunga) - Senior Master Mixed W2 16km

Karl Shroder & Roy Boonen (Heretaunga) - Golden Master Men 10km

Haeata SMM (Haeata) - Senior Master Men W6 24km

Haeata Open Women (Haeata) - Open Women W6 24km

SILVER:

Donna Walford Collier (Haeata) - Master Women W1 rudderless 16km

Peter Cowan (Haeata) - Adaptive Men W1 rudderless 10km

Jon Matthews & Jamie Thompson (Heretaunga) - Senior Master Men W2 16km

Puhiwahine & Roni Nuku (Haeata) - Open Women W2 16km

Justin Rahipere & Piki Ratapu (Te Rau Oranga) - J19 Men W2 10km

Mahina Ross (Haeata) - J19 Women W1 10km

Ngarumoana (Te Rau Oranga) - Senior Master Mixed W6 24km

Takitimu Howlers (Takitimu) - Golden Master Men W6 16km

Haeata J19s (Haeata) - J19 mixed W6 16km

BRONZE:

Gemini Henare-Hiki (Te Rau Oranga) - U23 Women W1 rudderless 16km

Sassy 2 (Heretaunga) - Senior Master Women W2 16km

Pearls (Heretaunga) - Golden Master Women W6 16km

Team G (Maraenui) - Golden Master Mixed W6 16km

Mokotuararo (Heretaunga) - J19 mixed W6 16km

Sassy Wahine (Heretaunga) - Open Women W6 10km short course (non-medal race)

Congratulations to the the hosts for an amazing event, and especially to all of the rowers, teams and clubs for your outstanding dedication to this sport.

Well done!!!!!!

Ngaiterangi & Tauranga Rahipere                  Piki Ratapu & Justine Rahipere

Te Rau Oranga o Ngāti Kahungunu

Senior Master Mixed                                              Haeata Senior Master Men

Maraenui Golden Master Mixed                  Takitimu Senior Master Men

Haeata Open Women                                  Pearls GMW, Heretaunga

Mokotuararo J19, Heretaunga                    Takitimu Golden Master Men

Tony & Sarah Thorpe