Motueka Waka Ama Club

waka                               canoe, boat

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ama                                 outrigger

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hoe                                  paddle, blade

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hoe runga                      paddle up (hold the paddle above your head)

hoe rere                         paddle in start position, ready to go

hoe                                  start paddling (similar to: ready, steady, go)

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karakia                          prayer (We say prayer before and after paddling to show our respect, honouring the elemental

                                         forces, life energies and all that is, asking for support and guidance.)

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kia ora                            welcome, thank you, be well

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panui                              announcement, advertisment, race pack

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tikanga                           custom, etiquette, protocoll, rule

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hongi                               perceive with your nose (smell, sniff, breathing through the nose)

                                          After paddling we thank each other and acknowledge a safe return by sharing our breath with

                                          each other. The hongi is a traditional Maori way of greeting and connecting with each other - 

                                          watch an explanation by Maori elder Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere here.)

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