Competing in wahine waka (canoe) hurdle races
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
Recapturing when women raced waka over hurdles at regatta events from 1860s to early 1900s
Waka, Canoes, Regatta, Wahine, Women, Sport, Entertainment, Ngaruawahia, Turangawaewae, Mercer
Māori waka (canoes) were used for recreational activities as well as transport and fishing. Waka races over hurdles became a feature of regattas. Waka hurdling, which was sometimes called waka peke (jumping waka), had two paddlers in a narrow river canoe (waka tīwai) travel over wooden beams set in the water. The beam was 13 - 15 inches above the water line and the waka crossed over from one side to the other like a seesaw. One of the earliest regattas was held in 1867 at Ngāruwāhia and included an event for women:
A regatta has been organised to take place on Wednesday, the 2nd January, when, in addition to the usual Maori canoe races, there will be one confined exclusively to Europeans, and another to Maori females. The latter will certainly form the chief feature of attraction, and, as the females are as expert at paddling as the males, no doubt the sport will be good. The prizes vary from £3 to 10s."
Waka races over hurdles became a feature of regattas and also included teams of two wahine as paddlers
(Image: Two women paddling over a hurdle during the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta held at Mercer, 29 Jan 1909)
Auckland Libraries
One of the earliest regattas was held in Ngāruawāhia on 2 Jan 1867 & included women as waka paddlers
National Library of New Zealand
Mercer Regatta and Athletic Sports (16 March 1889)
Programme included: “2nd Event—Canoe Hurdle Race, for Maori Wahines; over three flights of hurdles, 15in high...)
National Library of New Zealand
From 1896, the Ngāruawāhia Regatta and Aquatic Sports was held on St. Patrick's Day (17 March) or weekend nearest
Date was suggested by a local Irish engineer to honour patron saint of Ireland, & workers could attend the holiday event
Auckland Libraries
Competitors in the Mercer Māori Regatta and Aquatic Sports, 1903
The event was a combined regatta with the Northern Rowing Union of Auckland & was held early Dec annually
Auckland Libraries
Fox News (1927): Film includes outtakes from canoe & canoe hurdle races on the Waitaki River in Taranaki (11:58 mins)
(Since 1870, waka & whaleboat racing was a popular event held annually at New Year on the Waitaki River)
Digital Public Library of America
Ngāruawāhia Regatta - Waka hurdle race (No date)
Hamilton City Libraries
Setting out on the waka hurdle race
Mercer Regatta, 1892: Entries for the Wahine Canoe Hurdle Race: Victoria, Blue Bell, Waru Poroka & Try Fluke
MERCER REGATTA. (Auckland Star, 09 March 1892)
National Library of New Zealand
Ngāruawāhia Regatta programme (1898); Canoe Hurdle Race: Ist prize, £2 10s; 2nd, £1; 3rd, 10s. Entrance, 2s 6d.
Page 5 Advertisements Column 1 (Observer, 12 February 1898)
National Library of New Zealand
Three canoes lined up for departure at Kāwhia, each with two paddlers aboard, 1902
Kawhia
Te Awamutu Museum
Competitors in the women's canoe hurdle race at the Mercer Regatta, 1902
Competitors in the women's canoe hurdle race
Auckland Libraries
Hurdle race at Ngāruawāhia Regatta (1917) held at The Point - a community park at confluence of Waikato & Waipa Rivers
The annual regatta held at Ngaruawahia last Saturday: the scene on the banks of the Waikato River while one of the Māori canoe hurdle races was pro...
Auckland Libraries
Spectators watch as the waka set off for the hurdle race, 1905
WATCHING THE WAHINES' HURDLE RACE
Auckland Libraries
Competitors on Lake Rotorua at the Rotorua Carnival, 7 March 1908
Competitors in wahines' canoe hurdle race
Auckland Libraries
Waka hurdling techniques
The techniques and expertise required for negotiating the three-hurdle race was described by the Auckland Star (27 Feb 1888) for the Mercer Annual Fête:
To carry out these races 3 hurdles are erected from 15 to 18 inches above the water line. Each canoe is expected to jump these hurdles in succession, and then return to the starting point. The greatest expertness is required in the performance of this difficult feat, for the canoe has to be run up across the boom for half its length, and the crews have then to run up to the elevated end to tip it over. If they fail to reach the top end in time the canoe simply slides back, but should they bo fortunate enough to tip it over, the canoe generally either capsizes its occupants into the water or else rills. The latter was the least misfortunate which could happen, for with their paddles the crew soon cleared the water out, or better still, paddled or swam ashore, and by the simple device of canting the canoe on one side soon cleared her of water, and made her ready for a fresh start.
Auckland Star describes the technique & expertise required by the two paddlers for negotiating their waka over hurdles
National Library of New Zealand
View of the 3 hurdles the waka must jump in succession. The hurdles are 13-15 inches high above the water line.
The hurdles were made from manuka & other types of wood lashed with rope
Auckland Libraries
Course distance is about half a mile
Auckland Libraries
Canoe has to travel up across the hurdle's cross-boom for half its length
Upon approaching the hurdle, one person would continue paddling furiously, while the other moved towards canoe's front
Auckland Libraries
Both crew have to run up to the elevated end to tip it over like a seesaw, otherwise the canoe will slide backwards
(Male paddlers had the option of jumping out of their waka and diving under the cross-bar; then climbing back inside)
Auckland Libraries
The canoe may capsize the paddlers into the water
Once the waka hits the hurdle, it should be straight otherwise it could slide sideways
Auckland Libraries
Or the canoe may nosedive forward & gather water
Auckland Libraries
The water can be scooped out by paddles, or be emptied out at the end of the race
Auckland Libraries
![Image: Waikato River, Ngaruawahia. [Canoes & hurdle], bridge.](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Fcollection-api.aucklandmuseum.com%2Frecords%2Fimages%2Fmedium%2F565881%2F33b64cca165ca232dadcbd99f225749562ac2649.jpg&resize=368%253E "Waikato River, Ngaruawahia. [Canoes & hurdle], bridge.")
When safely over the first hurdle, the paddlers head to the second hurdle
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
The paddlers then attempt to cross the second hurdle
Auckland Libraries
The paddlers negotiate over the third hurdle
(Image: Clearing the third hurdle at the Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1899)
Auckland Libraries
After completing the third hurdle, the paddlers head for the shore
Auckland Libraries
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Regatta with women waka hurdling
Waka hurdling began to be held at regattas in various locations, including Ngāruawāhia, Mercer, Kāwhia, North Shore, Rotorua, Tauranga, and the Waitaki River.
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 17 March 1897: Two canoes reach the second hurdle
The women's canoe race at the second hurdle Ngaruawahia Regatta
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1898: Photo montage includes waka hurdling
The Ngaruawahia Regatta
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1898: At this event, women's canoes for the hurdles were crewed by 4, & the men's canoes had 2 crew
NGARUAWAHIA REGATTA. (Auckland Star, 18 March 1898)
National Library of New Zealand
Mercer Regatta (Dec 1899): Photo montage includes “Wahines' canoe hurdle race: the first spill”
The regatta at Mercer, Waikato, Auckland
Auckland Libraries
![Image: A snapshot [of the ] hurdle race](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Fkura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz%2Fdigital%2Fapi%2Fsingleitem%2Fimage%2Fphotos%2F176569%2Fdefault.jpg&resize=368%253E "A snapshot [of the ] hurdle race")
Hurdle race during the Rotorua carnival, 23-27 Feb 1904
A snapshot [of the ] hurdle race
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 17 March 1904
A MAORI WAHINE HURDLE RACE (Otago Witness, 30 March 1904)
National Library of New Zealand
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1909
Māori Wahines Negotiating A Hurdle In The Canoe Hurdle Race
Auckland Libraries
Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta (1913): Photo montage includes the "Wahines hurdle race"
One of the most popular attractions of Auckland Anniversary Day
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1913: Views from the annual event include waka hurdling
Views from the annual regatta at Ngaruawahia
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 17 March 1923: Photo montage includes waka hurdling
Waikato's Great Annual Aquatic Carnival
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1930: Photo montage includes waka hurdling
A noted North Island aquatic carnival: thrills at this year's Ngāruawāhia Regatta on the Waikato River
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 16 March 1935: Photo montage includes waka hurdling
Annual aquatic carnival in the Waikato district: variety of attractions at the Ngāruawāhia Regatta on Saturday
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1938: Clearing a hurdle on the Waikato River
Waka (canoe) hurdle races on the Waikato River
Alexander Turnbull Library
Two canoes clearing a hurdle on the Waikato River, 1938
Waka (canoe) hurdle races on the Waikato River
Alexander Turnbull Library
Ngāruawāhia Regatta - Waka hurdle race (No date)
Ngaruawahia Regatta. Waka hurdle race
Hamilton City Libraries
And the winners are!!
The Auckland Star (27 Feb 1888) reported the following result for the Mercer Annual Fête:
Canoe Hurdle Race, for Maori Wahines. Course, over three flights of hurdles 15in. high ; distance about half a mile; Ist prize, £2 10s ; 2nd, 15s.—Three started, and the race caused infinite amusement. It was finally won by Eliza and Bella, the only crew that succeeded in getting over the course, but the others having made a good attempt, the Committee decided to divide the second prize between them.
Mercer Regatta and Athletic Sports (12 Feb 1887)
Six started. Rangiriri and Kate won in the Pukekohua (£2 10s) & Ellen Maxwell was second in the Woolbroker (15s)
National Library of New Zealand
Mercer Regatta, 16 March 1889: "The wahines...displayed as much expertness and good humour in these contests as the men"
1st prize £2 10s: Te Paiua (Hurimata & Sarah); 2nd prize 15s: Woolbroker (Emere & Mata)
National Library of New Zealand
Mercer Regatta, 12 March 1892
3 canoes "started for the wahine canoe hurdle race. The Blue Bell Maori women were the only ones to complete the course"
National Library of New Zealand
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 17 March 1897
1st: Kere Karana; 2nd: Pere Hoetu
National Library of New Zealand
Mercer Regatta, 1899
1st: Rotana's canoe Try Fluke; & 2nd: Hikurere
National Library of New Zealand
Mercer Regatta, 8 Dec 1900
"Wahines' Hurdle Race.—Hikurere, 1; Tuakau, 2. Only these two canoes started" (Article gives a description of the race)
National Library of New Zealand
Ngāruāwahia Regatta, 22 March 1901
The winning canoe
Auckland Libraries
Tauranga Carnival, Jan 1902
Photo montage includes canoe hurdling & the winner of the women’s race
Auckland Libraries
Mercer Regatta, 29 Nov 1902
The winning canoe, Bluejacket, crossing over the third hurdle
Auckland Libraries
Rotorua Carnival, 1903: Four entrants
Kauri Gum beat Bluejacket by 20yds. The local canoe, Te Tokatea, was third. Waikatos cleared the hurdles faultlessly.
National Library of New Zealand
After finishing the race
Photo montage of the Mercer Regatta (Dec 1900) includes: “Wahines exhausted after the race”
Snapshots at Mercer Regatta
Auckland Libraries
Baling water out of the canoe at the Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 22 March 1901
A popular event: The Wahine Canoe Race
Auckland Libraries
One of the competitors for the waka hurdle race watching other events at the Mercer Regatta, 5 Dec 1903
A competitor in the canoe hurdle race
Auckland Libraries
Ngāruawāhia Regatta continues today as Tūrangawaewae Regatta
The Ngāruawāhia Regatta was first held in 1894 and became an annual event from 1896. It was officially known as the Ngāruawāhia Regatta and Aquatic Sports and was held on St. Patrick's Day (17 March) or the weekend nearest. The Regatta took place at The Point which was a community park at the confluence of the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. Organised with the support of Auckland Aquatics, the event included European rowing and Māori waka events.
Some knowledgeable people from Türangawaewae Marae said that the Mayor initially requested or invited the Mäori community to join in the Regatta.
The intent was to promote and encourage aquatic sports and the preservation of Māori river activities and customs.
Source: Tangiwai Rewi (March 2015), "The Ngāruawāhia Tūrangawaewae Regatta: Today's reflections on the past", The Journal of the Polynesian Society (Vol.124, No.1, March 2015, p. 47)
Tangiwai Rewi (2013) recounts the forming of the Ngāruawāhia Regatta & its evolving into the Tūrangawaewae Regatta
National Library of New Zealand
Over the years, the Ngāruawahia Regatta underwent slight name changes as can be seen from covers of souvenir booklets and programmes held by the Waikato Museum that are digitised on DigitalNZ. The programme also expanded to include events such as Highland piping and dancing (from 1914) and marching girls.
Souvenir programme - "Ngaruawahia Twenty-Fourth Annual Maori Aquatic Carnival", 17 March 1920
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
Souvenir Programme - "Ngaruawahia Regatta Association (Registered) Maori Carnival & Aquatic Sports", 7 May 1927
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
Programme – 'Ngaruawahia 61st Annual Regatta and Maori Aquatic Carnival', 16 March 1957
Cover listed: Maori canoe races, Pois, Hakas, Rowing and Speedboat races, National dancing
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
“Ngaruawahia Regatta Assoc. proudly present their 63rd Maori Carnival and Aquatic Sports”, 14 March 1959
Events: Rowing; Canoe hurdle, Canoe & Speed-boat races; Marching girls; Piping & Dancing; Poi dances-Haka; Side shows
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
During the 1940s, the Regatta was held twice at Tūrangawaewae Marae. On the second of these occasions, in 1945, it was hosted by King Korokī and Princess Te Puea to raise funds to build the Aotearoa meeting house. The following week, the Regatta was also held at its usual venue at The Point. The Ngāruawāhia regatta was cancelled thrice - in 1942 due to World War II; in 1972 due to the Waikato River being in flood; and in 2020 due to the COVID lockdown.
As the 1972 cancellation led to the Ngāruawāhia Regatta Association experiencing financial difficulties, the Tūrangawaewae Marae's Kimiora Fundraising Appeal Committee took over the organisation of the event from 1973 onwards. Consequently, the Ngāruawāhia Regatta was renamed the Tūrangawaewae Regatta and the event was held at the Tūrangawaewae Marae. For its 100th anniversary held in 1996, the regatta was especially named the Ngāruawāhia Tūrangawaewae Māori Aquatic Regatta for that year only. Afterwards, the name reverted to the Ngāruawāhia Regatta until it was changed back to the Tūrangawaewae Regatta in 2012.
Source: Tangiwai Rewi (March 2015), Ibid
In 2016, the waka hurdling event was reintroduced at the 121st Tūrangawaewae Regatta held on Saturday, 19 March. In an interview, Regatta organiser Delwyn Abraham stated the waka peke revival was prompted from feedback from previous regattas. The interview includes tips from Tom Simon on waka hurdling techniques and a video clip of two women trialling paddling a waka over a hurdle.
Source: Elton Rikihana Smallman (17 March 2016), “Modern paddlers try to master traditional sport”, https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/77972962/modern-paddlers-try-to-master-traditional-sport)
Ngāruawāhia Regatta, 1938 & 1947: Audio accounts of aspects of each regatta
RNZ (23 March 2016): Sarah Johnston shares excerpts from radio coverage of each regatta (6:13 min)
Radio New Zealand
Ngāruawahia Regatta was renamed Tūrangawaewae Regatta in 1973, & 120th anniversary held during 2015
Delwyn Abraham, Chair of Tūrangwaewae Regatta Committee, describes how the event has evolved with cultural activities
National Library of New Zealand
120th anniversary also seen as an opportunity for Waikato-Tainui to showcase its culture to the thousands attending
Organiser Sonya Haggie describes the popularity of the event at which about 8 thousand people attended the previous year
Radio New Zealand
Find out more:
- Elton Rikihana Smallman (17 March 2016), “Modern paddlers try to master traditional sport”, https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/77972962/modern-paddlers-try-to-master-traditional-sport)
- Nancy Swarbrick, 'Canoeing and rafting - Early canoeing', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/13076/waka-hurdle-races
- Tangiwai Rewi (March 2015), "The Ngāruawāhia Tūrangawaewae Regatta: Today's reflections on the past", The Journal of the Polynesian Society (Vol.124, No.1, March 2015, pp. 47-81) JSTOR
- Wikipedia: Waka hurdling, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waka_hurdling
This DigitalNZ story was compiled in August 2023