Pasifika university students to represent Aotearoa at world-famous canoe race

Two Pacific engineering students from the University of Auckland left for Hawai'i on Wednesday, representing the university's waka ama team at one of the world's most prestigious outrigger canoe events.

Josiah Seleni and Viliami Manukia are part of a diverse Waipapa Taumata Rau team this year.

For the first time, the crew includes paddlers from multiple faculties, breaking from the tradition of a single-faculty team.

The pair, who both discovered waka ama during their time at university, will compete in the Queen Lili'uokalani Canoe Race, held annually in Kailua-Kona.

The main event, the Wa'a Kaukahi, is an 18-mile open ocean challenge from Kailua Bay to Honaunau Bay, taking place this Saturday.

More than 400 boats are expected to race over the weekend, with teams representing countries such as Canada, Australia, and Tahiti.

"We both are a part of SPIES - South Pacific Indigenous Engineering Society - and that's how we found out about waka ama," Seleni said.

The duo agreed that waka ama is more than just a sport, but a cultural connection and, traditionally, a way of life in Polynesian culture.

"I first got into waka ama as an extra thing to do," Seleni said.

"Friends told me to join for the inter-faculty competition - if you win, you go to Hawai'i. But my purpose grew as I learnt more about the sport.

"You discover how it's connected to Pacific people. I'm passionate about being on the water, staying connected with my people and those on the waka."

'A way of life'

"The fact that waka ama isn't really a sport, it's a way of life across Polynesian culture, it's cool to see other people of my own culture (Tonga) taking part," Manukia said.

"What drew me to it was the people who were in the team in previous years, and the opportunities they had, going overseas and learning, growing."

"This type of thing connects you with your people," Seleni added. "It brings more stories and love."

Between full-time study and work, both students have demanding schedules.

Seleni is a house assistant at Auckland's Dilworth College, helping students with homework and daily routines. Manukia juggles two jobs, as a kitchen hand and a security guard.

Despite their commitments, both have embraced the demanding training waka ama requires.

"It's important to balance nutrition and a good diet while going to lectures, tutorials, and training," Manukia said. "The sport helps you maintain those routines."

"It's you against yourself," Seleni added. "I remember people in other waka giving us energy to keep going. It's not always about who's the best, it's about how you can be the best for yourself."

Manukia described it as a different level of competitiveness, balanced by a sense of comradery among teams.

"There's a rush of energy… but in this sport, the community comes together. The nerves and doubts go away."

Manukia also said it is inspiring to see the variety of those involved.

"There are so many age groups. Everyone's active, competitive, and disciplined. It's inspiring."

"Waka ama teaches you more about Aotearoa, Māori heritage, and how it all connects," said Seleni. "The community is awesome. The people you meet, it's so welcoming."

Intense preparation

University of Auckland's sports coordinator Alamaia Mataafa has managed the waka ama team for the past three years and has been instrumental in its development.

"I love being able to create and run programmes specifically for our Māori and Pacific students," she said.

"It's important to use my platform to elevate them. It's certainly not as easy as it looks, especially when the kids make it look easy. It's gruelling."

Mataafa, who is Samoan, said undertaking this role fulfils an obligation to her community.

"Not many people like me are in this position. Sometimes we don't want to step into these roles or don't understand them. But me managing these portfolios, doing these trips, it shows others they can do it too."

The team's preparation has been intense.

"For the past three months, we've done 6:45am paddles every morning," Mataafa said.

"On longer days, we do 20 to 30km. Mondays are kapa haka. Tuesdays and Thursdays are strength and conditioning. Fridays are heat training in the sauna to prep for Hawai'i."

Training camps and races in Tauranga, Rotorua, and Auckland have also been critical for the teams development.

"There's been a lot of tears on this journey, but also really, really good times," Mataafa said.

"I think people will see it in how close we all are. We're not strangling each other, so that's a win!"

"As a manager, we've had to give a couple of kids a flick behind the ears to wake up, but I think they've all earned their spot to head to Hawai'i."