Matariki 2009 was raced yesterday with the 10km race at 9am run in a light southerly and the 21km race in a moderate southerly with the sun bursting through as paddlers approached the finish.
I think there would have been about 50 to 80 paddlers participating in the days racing and the day was well organised by the Hoe Tonga Committee.
Performing various duties leading up to, and on the day were Chris Fox, Raukawa Comerford, Marinna Milanta-Lowrey, Trish Prentice, Katie Townsend, Paora Howe, Averil and many more sorry to those I've left out. Oh yeah and not to forget the peoples who prepared and served the three course meal, yes and you've read that correctly a race with at three course meal the Kai (or food for us Palangis) was just awesome.
The Prize giving was pretty cool, the Maori Tonga which were specially commissioned for Matariki were carved from the native timbers and pounamu, were precious works of art.
If you checked them out, close up, it must certainly inspire you to get involved in the Sport and enter next year with the aim of winning one of these treasures (It shouldn't matter if it's winter or not) Just get out there and put extra clothes On!!!
If you want to get even better value for money from the Wellington City Council, you should enter as they sponsored the race as well. Ray Ahipene-Mercer and Iona Pannet attended the Prizegiving (checking out the Councils great investment into the Sport).
Great event, excellent value for money and great company what more could you ask for.
View photos shot by Sharlene of the 21km race.
Results posted here in the next few days.
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