An unusual thick mist was blanketing Whaingaroa Harbour. Suddenly the Opotoru Estuary was full of colourful six crew waka. This was the beginning of the 2015 Whaingaroa Hoe.
Throughout Saturday 9th, waka raced up and down the harbour. Shorter 8km races made for a buoy off Moonlight Bay while the longer 24km races made for a buoy halfway up the Waingaro arm of the harbour.
Prizegiving ceremonies were held throughout Saturday.
Unofficial results were:
Overall Mens W6
1st Bhutty Boys, 2nd Pineula Akarana, 3rd Herberts On Tour Nga Hoe Horo
Master Men W6 – 24km
1st Te Kopae Turangawaewae, 2nd Grizzlies, Black Taniwha, 3rd Pirates Parihaka
Open Men W6 – 24km
1st Bhutty Boys, 2nd Pineula Akarana, 3rd Herberts On Tour Nga Hoe Horo
Senior Master Men W6 – 24km
1st Waikuta Ruamata, 2nd Mana Menz Mana, 3rd Waitokerau Ngatai Rehia
Overall Mixed -24km
1st Nhh King Whanua Nga Hoe Horo, 2nd Hokianga Natives Waitakere OCC, 3rd Maketu Wahine Combined Maketu
Open Mixed W6 – 24km
1st Nhh King Whanua Nga Hoe Horo, 2nd Hokianga Natives Waitakere OCC, 3rd Taniwaha Grey Tanaiwha
Open Women W6 – 24km
1st Wera Tarawera, 2nd Team Poe Cooks Islands, 3rd Roto Wahinez Tainwaha
For the first time the regatta was over two days, so today Sunday will see the single and double wakas competing at Manu Bay.