TPOTI K​āhui Background

In 2024 / 2025, with a desire to improve communication and interaction with the membership within our growing region (now 26 Clubs & growing), TPOTI carried out a restructure, implementing a Board model with four elected representatives responsible for liaison with their respective Kāhui groups.
The TPOTI Kāhui model was inspired by the ‘Wheke’ as a metaphor for reaching out across the region, encouraging improved communication, knowledge sharing and increased collaboration among the members of each Kāhui group, while also creating a tighter connection between Kāhui representatives as members of the TPOTI Board. 
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​The structure aims for greater club voice and input to the direction of TPOTI, so that the needs of the clubs and paddlers are at the forefront of decision-making. The Wheke has also been used as a metaphor for health and wellbeing and is steeped in Māori mythology with tentacles reaching out across the Pacific Polynesian triangle and, therefore, is a highly suitable model for the future well-being of TPOTI.

Further, the current initial Kāhui composition is underpinned by the Tuakana/Teina principle
where clubs in each Kāhui have diversity in terms of size, paddling environments, experience,
types of programmes and much more. This provides fertile grounds for knowledge sharing, where
clubs with expertise in certain areas can share this with their Kāhui whānau. Current relationships
which already exist between neighbouring clubs, are encouraged to continue outside of this model.
Our Four Kāhui Representatives are:​
  • Kāhui Tahi - Delwynne Hahunga
  • Kāhui Rua - Peter Minten
  • Kāhui Toru - Hiria Rolleston
  • Kāhui Wha - Heeni Hope
Click HERE for a detailed list of all TPOTI Clubs
TPOTI Waka Ama Clubs are allocated within each Kāhui as follows:
Kāhui Tahi
  • Karāpiro Waka Charitable Trust
  • Ngā Kaihoe O Te Puaha Incorporated
  • Rangiriri Cultural Sports Club Te Rua o Tarakokomako Waka Ama
  • Tauranga Moana Outrigger Canoe Club Inc.
  • Te Toki Voyaging Trust
  • Whāingaroa Whānau Hoe Waka
  • Nga Taiohi Sports Club
Kāhui Rua
  • Hauraki Waka Ama Inc.
  • Hei Matau Paddlers
  • Otaikokako Waka Ama Club Taranaki Inc
  • Tarawera Outrigger Canoe Club
  • Te Au Rere Waka Ama Club
  • Hawaiki Ora Waka Ama Incorporated
Kāhui Toru
  • Hoe Aroha Whanau o Mauao
  • Taranaki Outrigger Canoe Club
  • Taupo Waka Ama Club
  • Te Whanau Waka Ama O Whangamata
  • Waka Ama O Whakatane
  • Te Tai Ora ki Matakana me Rangiwaea Manatōpū Waka Ama Club
  • Wahine o te Wai Waka Ama Club Incorporated
Kāhui Wha
  • Nga Tai Whakarongo
  • Rahui Pokeka Waka Sports
  • Ruamata Waka
  • Turangawaewae Waka Sports
  • Waikato Dragon Boat & Waka Ama Association
  • Whitianga Community Waka Ama
  • Ngā Kaihoe o Maniapoto
  • Putāruru Dragons Waka Ama - under Putāruru Dragons Sports Club Inc