Ōrewa Set to Host Over 1500 Paddlers for 2026 Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals

Ōrewa Beach will transform into the centre of New Zealand's waka ama community from Thursday 1 October through Sunday 4 October, as the 2026 Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals brings together thousands of paddlers and spectators for what organisers are calling the largest event of its kind held to date.

The event is jointly hosted by the Auckland Region Outrigger Canoe Association (AROCA) and Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ, with strong backing from local clubs across the region.

A Genuinely Large-Scale Event

The numbers behind this year's Nationals give a sense of just how significant the gathering is. Around 1,500 paddlers from across Aotearoa will compete, representing 70 different clubs nationwide.

The competition itself is structured around a circuit race course, with paddlers tackling one of three distances:

Entry categories span a remarkably wide age range, from 16-year-olds right through to Master 75 paddlers, and the event specifically includes adaptive paddlers as well.

How the Event Kicks Off

The Nationals will officially open with a pōwhiri at 8.00am on Thursday 1 October at the Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club, setting a formal, ceremonial tone before the competitive racing gets underway.

A Milestone First for Ōrewa

This marks the first time Ōrewa has hosted the Long Distance Nationals, and Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ CEO Lara Collins said the timing feels particularly significant given the sport's recent international success.

"We're looking forward to hosting this event with AROCA in Ōrewa for the first time, being the largest Long Distance Nationals event hosted to date," Collins said. "We welcome our waka ama whānau, especially coming off the back of the World Sprints in Singapore this past August, where Aotearoa secured a total of 69 medals."

Collins also pointed to a deliberate feature of how the Nationals are run each year, one that keeps the event fresh for competitors.

"Our Long Distance Nationals change location each year, allowing our distance paddlers to experience different waterways and paddle at incredible locations across Aotearoa," Collins said.

Strong Local Backing

Beyond the paddling community itself, the event has drawn genuine support from the wider Ōrewa area, including local council and community groups.

AROCA Chairperson Matt Appleyard said hosting an event of this scale carries real significance for the local area.

"It's a real privilege for AROCA to host the Long Distance Nationals in Ōrewa," Appleyard said. "We're looking forward to showcasing Ōrewa and sharing what makes the community and Hibiscus Coast so special."

Free to Attend, With Food and Vendors Onsite

For anyone wanting to watch rather than compete, the good news is there's no cost to attend. The Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals is a free event, with kai and goods available for purchase from onsite vendors throughout the four days.

Why This Event Matters

Following New Zealand's strong showing at the World Sprints in Singapore, this year's Long Distance Nationals arrives at a moment when the sport's profile domestically is arguably as high as it's been in some time. With 70 clubs and 1,500 paddlers converging on a single stretch of coastline, the event offers both a serious competitive showcase for the country's top distance paddlers and a genuine community celebration for the Hibiscus Coast, one that AROCA and Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ are clearly hoping will leave a lasting impression on both participants and the local area hosting them.

This article is based on a media release issued by Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ.