The 17th Annual Whaingaroa Hoe was held on Saturday with warm weather and mild breezes. The regatta features the ironperson Waka Ama Race that is 24km long. A Whaingaroa men’s team took part in this race. Top men’s teams Vaka Manu, Pineula, Mean DNA and Herberts on Tours also paddled in this event. This year’s regatta was based at the Kokiri Centre in Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive with waka ama launching from the adjacent Wainamu Beach. 500 paddlers took part in the event.
Pio Terei from Fishing with Tangaroa filmed the event to include in his TV show. The Wahine Moe followed the waka ama around the harbour during the day. The day would up with a prize giving and meal at Whaingaroa ki te Whenua Kokiri Centre.