With the selection process complete for the New Zealand Waka Ama Elite teams their build up and preparations for the inaugural Waka Ama Elite Worlds event can be turned up a notch. Te Kāea takes a closer look at the Women's team.
Despite a hearing impairment, Vesna Radonich has won 5 W1 open golds. She took some time off to have her baby but she's now back and looking to return to the top of Waka Ama.
Kiwi Campbell has been another top NZ paddler for years, she has collected more than 20 golds over the years with her team Kaiārahi Toa and she'll also coach the Women's team.
Kiwi's nieces have found spots in the team as well, twins Kodi and Cory Campbell. The sisters are only teenagers but have shown enough skill and maturity to be selected.
After winning the gold in 2012, Marianna Hodges has consistently finished in the top 3. She will be another asset to the team.
Rose King came second in the W1 final at this year's nationals, the sport is in her blood, her whole family paddles and her brother Tupu King is New Zealand's best paddler.
Alongside these strong women are Flo Booking, Nenni Dessi, Te Whaioranga Smallman, Rebekka Stills, Gabrielle Wainohu and Sieda Tureia.