As we close the chapter on another incredible year of Waka Ama at Ruapehu College, we celebrate the exceptional tauira who paddled their hearts out in 2025. With courage, commitment, and unity, these students have shown what it truly means to be part of something greater than themselves.
From the very first training session to the final race at Nationals, our paddlers embodied the values of teamwork, resilience, and leadership. In just a short season, they achieved extraordinary milestones - forging lifelong friendships and proudly representing our kura, their whānau, and iwi on the Whanganui awa and Lake Tikitapu ki Rotorua.
Week after week, these tauira committed to intense after-school fitness sessions and weekend water training. No matter the weather, they turned up with grit and determination. Early mornings, sore muscles, and tough drills were met with laughter, focus, and a shared drive to improve with every stroke.
Waka ama is not just a sport - it’s a way of life. Our teams learned to move as one, to trust deeply, and to lead with heart. Whether sprinting across the water or enduring long-distance paddles, every effort was powered by collective strength and mutual respect. Despite the limited time we have, our teams made a powerful impact at the National Secondary School Waka Ama Championships. Podium finishes, reaching semis and finals, were just the beginning. The real victories were the personal triumphs - confidence gained, goals achieved, and memories made.
Race Results ● J16 Girls: 2nd in the 250m W6 Te Takere final, 8th in the 500m W6 Te Takere final ● J19 Girls: 11th in the 250m W6 Te Takere semi, 6th in the 500m W6 Te Kei final ● J19 Boys: 10th in the 250m W6 Te Kei final, 8th in the 500m W6 Te Kei final ● J19 Mixed: 9th in the 250m W12 Te Takere semi
An amazing effort from all our teams this year, with results that reflect their hard work and determination. This kaupapa wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of supporters we grow every year. To our coaches - Whare, Shayna, and Chaana thank you for your guidance and belief. To our Nationals team of staff and parents - Tati, Helena, Steph, Tanya, Aniwa, and Lauren, to our sponsors Brendon Morgan and Te Wananga o Aotearoa for the use of waka, D & R Hawira and Breakthrough Community Trust for the purchase of new steering blades and to all our whānau who continue to help with driving, sharing of new ideas, results helped in every area, last but not least Ruapehu College for allowing this opportunity you are all the reason we keep going. Ngā mihi nui!
To every paddler who gave their all this year - ngā mihi nui. You’ve shown us what it means to paddle with purpose, to lead with mana, and to strive for greatness together. To our senior leaders moving on, we wish you every success on your next journey. And to those returning - get ready, because we’ll be back on the water before you know it.
Miss Chaana Morgan Coach
