Whakaata Māori is proud to again be the official broadcaster of the biggest event in the Aotearoa waka ama calendar – the 2026 Waka Ama National Sprint Championships – and for the first time we’ll be streaming all seven days of racing, including the tamariki.
Catch all the action on MĀORI+, MĀORI+ YouTube and Whakaata Māori, from 11.00AM Sunday 11 January and 8.30AM on the following days, finishing on Saturday 17 January 2026.
Thousands of competitors, representing clubs from the far, far north to the deepest south, will gather on the shores of Karāpiro to compete in 12 divisions, from Taitamariki (six years old) to the Master 80 division.
More than 10,000 spectators will add to the excitement of the event, with dozens of vendors, service providers and pakihi Māori selling everything from kai to sports wear and rongoa Māori.
The hotly contested corporate challenge races will be held on Friday 16 January. With the J19 and all adult W6 finals being held on the last day of the event, Saturday 17 January.
Teams compete over 250m, 500m, 1000m and 1500m distances with races for single paddlers, teams of six (W6) and teams of twelve (W12) paddlers.
The National Waka Ama Sprint Championships have been held annually – except 2022 – since 1990.
