Tira Hoe Waka

Tira Hoe Waka 2025

"E rere kau mai te Awa nui mai i te Kahui Maunga ki Tangaroa. Ko au te Awa, Ko te Awa ko au"


The Tira Hoe Waka 2025 dates have been confirmed for Sunday 5th - Saturday 18th January 2025 with a limit of registrations on the Awa.


The Tira Hoe Waka is a Whanganui Iwi Wānanga available to descendants of Te Awa o Whanganui. To create a better understanding of the two dimensions: te Kauae runga, te kauae raro. To travel and wānanga as a people along the length of our tupuna Awa Whanganui, mai i te Kopuputanga ki te Kopautanga, that is from the mountain to the sea.

The Tira is an Iwi-wānanga, so come prepared to be active participants in the wānanga on and off the Awa. 
Priority will be given to 12-year old's who are first timers along with their adult caregiver followed by those who are committed to the entire Tira from Kākahi Marae to Te Ao Hou Marae, Whanganui.

Kaihoe:
- All kaihoe must be 12 years of age and over, no exceptions.
- All rangatahi aged 12-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver 18 years and over. 
- The rangatahi-caregiver ratio 1:1 and caregivers need to take responsibility of their rangatahi at all times, on and off the Awa
- It is highly recommended by the Tira Hoe Waka Committee that kaihoe also have a Roadie to support you when you come off the Awa.

Waka:
- Six-man canadian waka are the approved craft for this Tira Hoe Waka. Allother crafts must gain the approval of the Tira Hoe Committee
- Waka hire arragnement are your responsibility and not included in the registration costs. 
- Koti ora (life jackets) msut be worn at all times on the waka and in the water. BYO or these will be provided by Waka Owners. Hoe (paddles) are also provided by Waka Owners. 

Waka Owners you can contact for Waka/Seat Hire: 
Hayden Potaka: 0275544426
Ash Patea: ash@iaculture.co.nz

Cost: 
River - $180.00 (12 years and over, 14 days total) T-Shirt/singlet includedv in price. 
Roady - $10.00 per day (11 years and under free, 8 days total) 

T-shirt/Singlet - $30.00 each.
Adults sizes: S- 4XL
Kids sizes: 2-14*

All further information and gear list can be found on the Tira Hoe Waka PDF Form below

Any and all Tira Hoe Waka queries can be directed to the Tira Hoe Waka committee
Hayden Potaka (Chairperson)
Phone: 0275544426
Email: tirahoewaka1@gmail.com 

Tira Hoe Waka PDF Form

Electronic River Registration Form 2025

Electronic Roady Registration Form 2025



Tira Hoe Waka 2023

January 10, 2023



On the 5th of January 2023 the people gathered at Ngāpuwaiwaha Marae, Taumarunui for the beginning of the 2023 Tira Hoe Waka journey.

Due to Covid-19 through out the previous two years, the kaupapa of the Tira Hoe Waka had been carried only by smaller Tira iti. However, 2023 saw us return to normal and welcomed those returning home to their Awa.

The pōwhiri was an emotional time, as we reflected on those that we had lost over the last two years. Some of those being people who had significantly contributed to the building and shaping of the Tira Hoe Waka since its inception.

There were many new faces as well as returning, both young and old, to experience the Tira for the first time.

If you are ever wanting to experience the Tira Hoe Waka and what it means to talk and listen to your Awa, have a look at the Tira Hoe Waka Facebook page.

There is also a short clip showing the waka departing from Ngahuinga (Cherry Grove) in Taumarunui by clicking on the following link.