Ki Uta Ki Tai (from the mountains to the sea) Waka Challenge returns to Lake Te Anau this Saturday, with the aim to uplift and bring whanau together.

Up to 12 teams will take part in the race, which will include three distances – 5km, 10km, and 15km - from Marakura Yacht Club.

Now in its second year, the event is run by Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust (NKMP).

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NKMP Korari Public Health Manager Karina Davis-Marsden said the idea came about when facilitating Waka Ama to Rangatahi attending the Te Waka Tuhono programme at Lake Te Anau in August last year.

"The lake, being such a majestic and pristine waterway, presented the whakaaro (thought) to see a Waka Ama Challenge on the lake targeting whanau to participate in a hauora (health) based activity, while connecting with the Te Taioa (natural environment).

"The 2020 Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown saw the Te Anau tourism sector impacted, therefore an event such as Ki Uta Ki Tai Waka Challenge was also intended to give the town an economic boost while helping to bring the community and whanau together."

Davis-Marsden says the challenge is very well supported by local community organisations and businesses who have donated trophies, time, discounts, and volunteers to run the event. Local knowledge has also been gifted around access to the waterway.

It is sponsored by Oraka Aparima Runaka and Ngā Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust, and is sanctioned by Waka Ama NZ adhering to Covid-19 Level 2 guidelines and restrictions.

Korari Public Health Team Kaimahi and event organiser Nadine Young said: "Waka ama is a vessel for health and wellbeing and the event is a healthy action that brings whanau together in these challenging times."

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As well, Nga Kete Matauranga Pounamu Trust will be running a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Marakura Yacht Club between 10am-12.30pm on the 23rd October and no appointment is necessary.

This will be the first time a vaccination clinic has been run at a waka ama event. This clinic is open to all members of the public and our experienced team will be on hand to guide you through the process.