Page 106 - NHS Beyond the Classroom

Kopapa Nationals, Ngaruawahia 2008

After such a successful year in
2007, it was expected that
Ngaruawahia High School would
continue that success this year.
A total of 39 students represented
us at the Turangawaewae Regatta on
March 15th.
It was a huge change for our
paddlers who were so used to the
comfort of paddling in the waka ama,
to have to go back to basics and learn
kopapa.
This was an awesome experience
for some (but not for others).
A special mention and congrat-
ulations to our junior boys
‘Tumanako’ who took out the Junior Tumanako Crew
Boys section for 2008. Raana Dennis, Aubrey Fretwell, Nicholas Heremaia, Corey Miles,
Kingsley Smith and David Bradford (Principal).

Waka Ama Nationals, Lake Karapiro 2008

Silver Medallists: Camira Newport, Meretuahiahi Tarawhiti, Stevie-Jo Brown, Nicholas Heremaia, Christine Morehu,
Corey Miles, Raana Dennis, Lisa McGrath, Iwa Te Koi, Kingsley Smith (hidden), Aubrey Fretwell, Haloma Bluegum.

Silver Medal for NHS Instead, his face turned into a broad grin with
The first day of competition saw teams “Congratulations! You got silver!”
combine to compete in the W12’s against some of Screams of joy could be heard across Lake
the top paddlers in New Zealand. Karapiro (the other schools thought we were
Over 40 schools competed on the first day and crazy).
excitement was high when all teams competed for
a place in the Championship semi-finals. W6 (250m & 500m)
One of our four teams achieved that goal and Tuesday and Wednesday were the heats and the
the race was on for our first medal. semi’s for the W6 races (six crew members).
There was a photo-finish and, after a long The competition was fierce but the team felt
delay, the result was posted. they had improved over two days of racing.
Our Junior team (made up of Tumanako and Most paddlers kept eating to a minimum,
Rimaeka) watched as Matua Waki Simon headed knowing that they needed to snack during the day.
towar4ds them with a look on his face that was not Six of the eight teams made the finals.
encouraging. Wednesday night was “Disco Night” and after
They all held their breath waiting for Matua to two days of paddling their hearts out they were
say “Hard luck guys….we just missed out!” given the night off to boogie away their aches and
pains.