About Us

Kia Ora Koutou Katoa

Ko Tainui te waka

Ko Waikato te awa

Ko Maungatautari te maunga

Ko Ngati Koroki Kahukura te iwi

Ko Pohara te marae

Ko Matthew Tauroa taku ingoa

 

I am blessed to have a beautiful whanau with my Number 1 supporter and wife Tania, and our 2 children Jahren and Nevaeh who is also a paddler. Before Waka ama became my life, my hobbies included rugby, kayak fishing, hunting and supporting our kids in their sporting persuits.

I found Waka ama in 2016 when my cousin asked if I’d do a whanau initiative course with him and other whanau members through Te Wananga O Aotearoa. Prior to this I knew nothing of Waka ama’s existence but fell in love with the sport very quickly.

Alongside my passion for Waka ama I am a coach builder by trade and this knowledge led me to start designing and building paddles for myself, my daughter and whanau.

As a family we have started our own business called ‘Manaaki Made’ selling custom hand-made paddles and Waka ama apparel.