Monday’s action-packed schedule featured the Intermediate 12’s and J16 6’s heats, along with races in the Waikato River Authority Intermediate category and the National Hauora Coalition J16 Women’s division, and featured a series of thrilling 12’s and 6’s finals, blending the excitement of competition with the spirit of participation.
The finals began with five 12’s 250-metre finals. Standout performances included the Cook Islands Outrigger Association winning the Taitamāhine / Te Takere with a time of 1:33.40 (one minute, 33 seconds, 40 milliseconds) and Hine Karioi Kaha from the Te Toki Voyaging Trust claiming victory in the Taitamāhine / Te Ihu with a time of 1:33.10. Other notable wins came from ToiToi Manawa in the Taitama / Te Kei, the Tutu Taniwhaz in the Taitama / Te Takere, and Pipiwhakao-Te Pahou’s exceptional 1:30.83 finish in the Taitama / Te Ihu.
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After which, two groups of three 6’s 250-metre finals showcased impressive team efforts. Highlights included Ngā Taimana winning the Taitamāhine / Te Kai in 2:05:70, Miti Mullets taking the Taitama / Te Kai in 1:47:64, and Hineraumati from the Te Toki Voyaging Trust delivering a standout finish of 1:25:62 in the Taitamāhine / Te Ihu.
