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Regional | Aotearoa

2016 Waka Ama Worlds - Finals 1000m and 1500m

In the second to last day of the competition, NZ dominated again, this time in the longer distance races. Ages U16 to Opens from NZ did well in their races, which featured turns from every team. It puts NZ in a good position to win this competition overall, with the final day held tomorrow.

In the first race of the day, the U16 boys were represented well in the 1000m by two teams from NZ. It was a battle between Waitakere Push to the Max and Ngāti Rehia Fat Oysters, in the end, it was Push to the Max that took gold.

“Very happy to win it”, says Tomairangi Hetaraka from Push to the Max.

The next race of the day was for the Masters 50 women, Go Aotearoa from Ruamata had the fastest time. Steered by one of the greats, Raipoia Brightwell, Go Aotearoa won the second gold for NZ.

In the U19 men's section, it's been tough for NZ teams, paddling against some of the strongest teams in the whole competition. Te Toki's Awhiowhio stuck with the front waka teams, winning silver.

In the opens section, Horouta's Kaiarahi Toa have dominated the long distance races at the Nationals. Keeping up front, Horouta just missed out on a gold, winning silver, Tarawera winning bronze. But the main victory for the day had to be the open men’s 1500m race.

Three NZ teams were in this race, Herberts on Tour had one of the fastest times. Leading from the front, Herberts on Tour stayed well ahead of their competitors. In the end, they won this final, Horouta came second winning silver.

The last day of the competition are tomorrow, with the finals of the V6 500m, held tomorrow afternoon.