The 8th bi-annual Tainui-Waikato Games, kicked off its surfing competition this weekend in Raglan. It's the third time the event has been held. This year’s focus was about supporting the tribes’ marae and next generations to give this ocean sport a go.
Give surfing a go is the message from this year's organiser and surfer.
“Just trying to promote whānau to participate for their marae, and for us surfers to show the younger tamariki our lifestyle, we're just trying to promote healthy living,” says surfing co-ordinator, Harley Muru.
Many are doing it for the first time, like young Te Huia from Te Kotahitanga Marae, “I've done heaps of other sports but just wanted to try this one.”
Strengthening relationships within marae, celebrating people and connecting with the ocean are key priorities.
“Our ancestors, the mountain of Karioi, the Raglan Ocean, and the descendants of the Tainui canoe. It's about growing our children and grandchildren,” says Sonny Matenga from Waingaro Marae.
Over 80 surfers from 11 marae have entered this year, the most so far, and although it's a competition, for the majority it's a time to have fun together on the water as a family, marae and people.
“My husband Kerin McCabe he was a keen surfer and I was a keen Bay watcher and he introduced our family and whānau to surfing. 0:18:10: It's developed and now it's rolled gone to the children and also the grandchildren,” says Denise McCabe from Te Kotahitanga Marae.
“I brought my kids brought my two girls and my boy and they're just getting into surfing so it's just the perfect opportunity to come down whanaungatanga, be by the ocean,” says Jimmy Kouratoras, cousin to Denise McCabe.
Over the last six years the amount of participants have grown.
Waikato-Tainui Games Overall Co-Ordinator, Heremaia Samson says “Seeing families surfing together on the sea, grandchildren with their grandparents. Children with parents. That's awesome to see.”
Regardless of who wins on these waves, the people of Waikato win!