Our team at Port Nelson recently participated in the Waka Ama races organised by the Whakatū Marae Waka Ama Club to support their fundraising initiative.

Erin King, Port Nelson’s Executive Assistant and organiser of the Port teams, expressed her excitement about this opportunity to bring people together from all over the Port in the spirit of connection and whakawhanaungatanga for a great cause and acknowledged the importance of seeking ways where the Port can actively support ngā iwi o Te Tauihu.

She shared a special moment from the event, saying “our Kaihoe (paddlers) were fierce in the race and yet actively cheered on the other teams, with more experienced Kaihoe providing tips, guidance, and encouragement to those less experienced. There was a great feeling of Tuakana-Teina, which is a Māori concept referring to the relationship between an older and younger person or, in this case, a mentoring approach where the tuakana (mentor) shares their knowledge and experience.”

At Port Nelson we are proud to provide sponsorship funds to our people to access for various purposes, including sporting events, charity work, courses, and professional development.