Aviation – Air Tahiti Nui announces new partnership with Waka Ama New Zealand

Air Tahiti Nui has a long-established history of supporting the growth of Va’a; Polynesian outrigger canoe racing in the Islands of Tahiti, where the modern-day sport evolved alongside the development of the sport in the Hawaiian Islands.  

Likewise, the sport of Waka Ama has come a long way in Aotearoa New Zealand since the first club was established in 1985 in the East Coast/Tairawhiti region by Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell after he witnessed Va’a racing in the Islands of French Polynesia.

As part of this partnership, the airline will serve as the preferred airline of Waka Ama NZ and feature at the following major events, working collaboratively with Waka Ama NZ to further develop the sport.

Long Distance Nationals: 03 to 06 October 2024 – Gisborne, Tairawhiti
Sprint Nationals: 12 to 18 January 2025 – Lake Karapiro, Waikato
Takapuna Beach Cup: 13 to 16 February 2025 – Takapuna, Auckland
Secondary School Nationals: 24 to 28 March 2025 – Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

This partnership not only highlights Air Tahiti Nui’s commitment to cultural exchange and sporting excellence, but also underscores the shared heritage and passion for Waka Ama (Va’a) paddling that unites Aotearoa New Zealand with the Islands of Tahiti.

About Air Tahiti Nui

Air Tahiti Nui links the South Pacific with four continents as the leading carrier to French Polynesia, with non-stop flights to Tahiti from Auckland, Tokyo, Los Angeles and Seattle, and non-stop flights connecting Paris with Los Angeles and Seattle. Headquartered in Papeete, Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui operates from its Tahiti base to destinations in 10 countries in cooperation with several codeshare partners including Qantas, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Aircalin, SNCF, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and LATAM. Follow Air Tahiti Nui on Facebook and Instagram. For more details, please visit Air Tahiti Nui.  

About Waka Ama New Zealand

Waka Ama New Zealand is the National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for the sport of Waka Ama in Aotearoa New Zealand. The NSO was formed in 1987 and now boasts 95 clubs from Kaitaia to Invercargill and close to 10,000 paddlers. Making Waka Ama one of the fastest-growing water sports in the country.

 Over 3000 paddlers participate in the annual Sprint Championship at Karāpiro and over 130 Secondary Schools take part in the Secondary School Championships each year. The Waka Ama NZ head office is based in Okahu Bay, Auckland. Follow Waka Ama NZ on Facebook, Instagram and for more details please visit their website Waka Ama NZ.