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About HoeToa

Hoe Toa means “paddle bravely” or “paddle strongly” and is a phrase that is recognized throughout Polynesian speaking nations.  The New Zealand based series challenges paddlers to a variety of fun single-man and two-man craft races at different venues over the New Zealand summer months (January and February).

The race series aims to build paddlers fitness and experience so that they can feel healthier and well prepared them some of the bigger events on the canoe racing calendar, such as the King of the Harbour, Takapuna Beach Cup and the Trans Taupo Marathon.

While the racing at the top of the table is intense (in the OC1, V1 and SS) everyone is bound by the comradery of waka and the spirit of family. New paddlers and beginners will have a chance to learn from experienced paddlers.  The race is cost-sensitive for paddlers, and the flat fee is $30.00. This covers all the necessary support boat and safety staff hire as well as a little left over for a BBQ at the end.

Hoe Toa gratefully receives any donations and sponsorships. In 2009 Hoe Toa attracted close to 100 paddlers in Surf Ski’s, Waka Ama and Kayaks.  The top paddlers compete for the mana of the yellow jersey – who will be the champion for 2010?

Race Headquarters

Unit 6 / 11 Sanders Ave
Takapuna
Auckland
New Zealand

Club Affiliations: Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club

The Manukau Outrigger Canoe Club has kindly agreed to host the races in Auckland underneath their leadership and support. Cherie Collison (Club President) can be contacted for any queries in this regard. Manukau Club email. E-mail: manukauoutriggers@yahoo.co.nz

Auckland Regional Outrigger Canoe Association (A. R.O.C.A)

A.R.O.C.A has sanctioned this race for 2010. For any queries to A.R.O.C.A please contact arocanz@gmail.com.

Orakei Watersports & Ngati Whatua ki Orakei

We are grateful for the support of Donna Tamariki and the Orakei Watersports Club who have supported this race. Orakei is the tribal home of the Maori people of Auckland, Nga Oho and Ngati Whatua ki Orakei (of which the leadership of Orakei Watersports trace their ancestry). The Orakei beach and Bastion Point are one of the last places not confiscated illegally by the New Zealand Government. Hoe  Toa is proud to support this iwi in their drive for self-determination and independence.

Hoe Toa 100% tautoko (supports) Ngati Whatua ki Orakei to maintain their culture, language, traditions and customs in the heart of New Zealand’s largest city.

Race Director

Kingi Gilbert, ph +64 (0)21 893917
kingi <at> ignitestudios.org

Kingi is obviously passionate about paddling and the waka. For him the canoe brings the Polynesian cousins around the Pacific closer together.  Within that bond we not only celebrate sport but we celebrate the ties of family, aroha (love) for the environment and a respect for the ocean (te Moana-nui a Kiwa).

Let your canoe glide and fly across the ocean in the search for your connection with things greater than yourself. Tihei Mauri Ora!