Turou … Oro Mai, Aere Mai ... Kia Orana e te au toa oe vaka no va’o mai te akau ia Rarotonga.

With excitement and hearts full of joy and aroa, we, your oe vaka family, here on Rarotonga, warmly welcome you to our beautiful island paradise and Vaka Eiva 2023. 

Four years have passed since our last Vaka Eiva gathering, and much has happened in all our lives. But in all this, we are grateful to come together once again, and we are honoured to be your hosts.

We look forward to the sharing of stories, celebrating and comforting each other, and of course, the reason why you’re all here – to paddle and race on our beautiful ocean.

As you move around the island, walk and talk with our people, and experience everything Cook Islands, from hiking the cross island walk to swimming with turtles and catching the fish of the day, treasure every moment and make wonderful memories. 

I also take the opportunity to say “Meitaki maata no ta kotou aka tauturu” to our sponsors, for we couldn’t host this event without your assistance.

May the Lord bless you and keep you during your stay.

Te Atua te aroa kia kotou katoatoa,

• Teina Taulu

Cook Islands Canoeing Association (CICA) President.

2023 Vaka

2023 Vaka Eiva teams: The 2023 Matson Vaka Eiva canoeing teams are: Hawaiian Outriggers Canoe Voyaging, Anuenue Canoe Club, Central Coast, Chang Gang, Darwin Outrigger Club, Dawes Team, Dial-up.com, Dreaming in the Cook Islands with Friends, Golden PHOCCers – Port Hacking Outrigger Canoe Club, Hokianga Natives, Kolohe Kupuna – Hawaii, Lanikai, Lokahi OCC, Makoha, Mana Wahine, Manihiki Auckland Sports Club, Mauifornia Wahine, Ngā Hau E Whā, Ngakau Toa Vaka (Rarotonga), Outrigger Australia, Oz Squad, Te Tupu O Te Manava (Rarotonga), The Wandering Warriors, TOF’s – Mooloolaba, Pacific Dragons, Pilikai – Lurline, Queensland Paddlers – Townsville Outriggers, Te Wharekura o Mauao, Tohivea Vaa, TROPNUI, Whakatu Waka Ama Club, Wai Tai /4 Mets – Akarana, Whaea Engines – Ruamata, Whakakotahi – Tai Tonga 41.

Round Raro Relay times to beat                

Women- Pacific Paddle                                           

2004    Tahiti Roc       TAH    3.00.43           

2005    Wahine Toa     NZ       3.08.56           

2006    Waitakere ROC          NZ       2.59.50           

2007    Ruahine           TAH    3.19.23           

            (Course change due to adverse conditions, still 36k but not around island)                         

2008    Ruahine           TAH    2.51.54            RR

2009    Big Island Girls           HAW   3.07.32           

2010    Big Island Girls           HAW   3.08.05           

2011    Crown Beach Belles   AUS    3.14.45           

2012    Rerenga Kokiri Tai Patu         NZ       3.27.23           

2013    Crown Beach Belles   AUS    3.25.53           

2014    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.27.14           

2015    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.03.04           

            (Course change due to adverse conditions, race cut to 28km)                                  

2016    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.49.42           

2017    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.-04.28          

2018    Te Tupu o te Manava  CI        3.15.12           

2019    Te Tupu o te Manava  CI        3.17.12           

Mixed RR (Bob Worthington Trophy)                               

2009    Te Tupu o te Manava  CI        3.07.19           

2010    Okotai    CI/HAW/AUS                      2.45.17            RR

2011    Crown Beach  AUS    2.54.52           

2012    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        2.56.17           

2013    Northern Beaches       AUS    3.02.16           

2014    Rogs for Dogs AUS    3.05.12           

2015    Coconuts OCC            AUS    3.09.31           

2016    Home Cookies NTV/TT         CI        3.03.29           

2017    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.16.11

2018    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.01.32           

2019    Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        2.58.00           

Men - Pacific Cup                            

Te Tupu Boiler Boyz  CI        2.35.14           

Te Tupu Boiler Boyz  CI        2.46.59           

Team Goodyear           NZ       2.38.27           

Team Livestrong         HAW   2.42.50           

Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        2.34.19           

Team Excel     AUS    2.35.07           

Te Tupu Boiler Boyz  CI        2.39.10           

Crown Beach Kings    AUS    2.40.57           

Te Tupu Boiler Boyz  CI        2.42.11

Tahiti Nui        TAH    2.44.40           

Paea Vaa          TAH    2.44.51           

Te Tupu Boiler Boyz  CI        2.27.20           

Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        3.05.45           

Te Tupu o te Manava  CI        2.29.25            RR

Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        2.44.22           

Ngakau Toa Vaka        CI        2.45.30