Iaean Cranwell and his whānau travelled to the Sunshine Coast, Australia along with over 550 kaihoe from New Zealand, to compete in the 17th IVF 2016 World Elite and Club Waka Ama Sprint Championships held in May. Joining Iaean were Adrian Tukaki and Craig Pauling from Te Taumutu, who competed with Aoraki Matatū from Te Waka Pounamu in the Masters Men 40 V6 and V12.

Having qualified first in their section at the New Zealand nationals earlier in the year, Aoraki Matatū were in a good position to place in the medals, with Tahiti being the main team to beat. Combining with Auckland based team, Pineula Hoe, who had placed second (behind Aoraki Matatū) at nationals, they formed Pineula Matatū for the Masters Men 40 V12 races.

Their first and most successful race was the 500m, coming in second qualifier after the heats behind an awesome Tahitian team. Pineula Matatū knew they would have to improve to be able to beat the Tahitians. Having had few opportunities to practice together over the months, the dedication and focus of the two teams paid off. Getting a good start in the finals, Pineula Matatū managed to hold off both Tahiti and New Caledonia to claim the gold medal. Iaean and Aoraki Matatū went on to win silver medals in both the Masters Men 40 V6 500m and 1000m. Sadly they had won the finals of the V6 500m only to have it voided due to a judges error and had to re-race at the end of the day. Capitalising on this, their old foe Tahiti unfortunately shut Aoraki Matatū out of the gold.

Iaean also had the privilege of watching his nephew, Kiliona Tamati-Tupa’i, who he and team mates of Aoraki Matatū had mentored – win gold in the Junior Men 18 V12 500m. Aoraki Matatū performed “Tēnei te Ruru” following Kiliona’s medal ceremony. Naturally Kiliona and his whānau returned the honour to Aoraki Matatū following the Master Men V12 500m medal ceremonies.

This is the first year New Zealand has excelled in a competition normally dominated by Tahiti, Hawai’i and New Caledonia. New Zealand topped the medal table winning a total of 79 medals, 30 Gold, 27 Silver, 22 Bronze. Promoting hauora, whakawhanaukataka, te reo me ōna tikaka, it’s no wonder Waka Ama popularity is growing stronger within Māori communities. Iaean’s goal for the future (following a well-deserved rest) is to start training to gain a place at the next nationals of course.

Members of Aoraki Matatū with whānau.

Members of Aoraki Matatū with whānau.

Iaean and whānau.

Iaean and whānau.