Story: Traditional Māori games – ngā tākaro

Waka ama are Polynesian-style outrigger canoes. They are often built of modern materials but based on traditional designs. Racing them is a popular sport – in New Zealand and internationally –  that began in the 1980s. Here the Papatoetoe High School waka ama team competes in the Auckland Secondary Schools Waka Ama Outrigger Regatta at Ōrākei Basin, Auckland. While these waka ama races are modern, waka (canoe) racing is an ancient tradition throughout Polynesia.