There is a hive of activity at Lake Karāpiro this week, as the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals get underway.

This year is the largest in the event’s history, with more than 4000 paddlers expected to descend on the lake over the course of the week, bringing double the number of spectators with them.

Racing began on Sunday, January 11, with the taitamariki age group and will run until Saturday, January 17, finishing with the J19, adult racing and adaptive elite racing finals.

On Monday, the embankment at the Cambridge lake was a sea of colour, with hundreds of club tents and spectator gazebos lined up side by side.

An endless stream of people walk the vibrant vendor lane in search of something delicious to eat, or to browse the stalls selling official event merchandise and traditional Māori craft.

Among the cast of thousands was Doreen Kihi and her daughter Mata Kihi.

The pair from Tūākau are supporting grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone else they know on the water in a waka this week.

“We are one big family here,” says Doreen.

“The event brings clubs from all around the country together. It’s an opportunity to come together as one.

“You meet a lot of people and also get to see people you haven’t seen in a long time.”

The 72-year-old said spending time with whānau and watching the taitamariki race is a real highlight for her.

“When else can a 5-year-old race at the same event as an 85-year-old? Watching the kids’ expressions and sharing that aroha with them is wonderful.”

Doreen feels grateful to be at Sprint Nationals and support her whānau this year, after suffering a fall four months ago.

She hit her head and injured her neck and shoulder, and has been receiving acupuncture through ACC as part of her recovery.

“I know how important it is to keep active to help with my recovery, so I can continue coming to Sprint Nationals and supporting my whānau for many more years to come.”

Doreen stopped by the Hauora Hub at the event where ACC is running community strength and balance classes throughout the week.

She has been doing some breathing exercises and balance work as part of her recovery from her fall, but she was keen to learn more about falls prevention and community strength and balance classes that might be available to her back home.

Sport Bay of Plenty project co-ordinators Jaime William, left, and Becky Hodgson.

Sport Bay of Plenty project co-ordinators Jaime William and Becky Hodgson were supporting with the classes on Monday.

“It’s great to be able to build awareness around the programme,” said William.

“There are so many small things you can do, just using your own body and what you have at home, that can make a big difference in falls prevention.

“We want to remove barriers and give people the confidence to be able to live full lives independently.”

Andy Milne, ACC’s deputy chief executive of strategy, engagement and prevention, says the community strength and balance classes are about more than just exercise.

“They’re about connection, confidence, and staying active so you can prevent injury and continue to do the things you love,” Milne said.

At Sprint Nationals this year whānau can come and give a class a go, and if they’re interested, visit the Live Stronger for Longer website to find and continue classes when they return home, he said.

The Waka Ama Sprint Nationals is a special event, Milne said.

“We’re proud to support the kaupapa of Waka Ama, strengthening community resilience and wellbeing, through sport and family-focused initiatives.

“Staying connected to your whānau is one of the most powerful things you can do for your wellbeing during recovery from an injury.”

ACC aims to encourage safer participation in sport, promote injury prevention and ensure that New Zealanders of all ages understand the role of rehabilitation when injured, Milne said.

“An injury doesn’t have to put your life on hold. With an active recovery, you can get back to what’s important to you – whether that’s time with your whānau, joining your team on the water or even just being able to enjoy the summer.”

ACC is hosting a Whānau Zone for supporters, paddlers and wider whānau to relax and watch the racing. There are also staff on site to share information about ACC supports.

ACC data shows Māori are less likely to access ACC entitlements compared to non-Māori but are more likely to experience a serious injury.

“Community events like Waka Ama help us to raise awareness and build understanding around ACC services that improve rehabilitation outcomes for all New Zealanders.”

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