WORD OF THE ACHOV

IAORANA,

18 years went by already, 18 years of effort, patience, perseverance and love for our country. It is bliss to see the va’a, integral part of our culture, moving on with grandeur as time goes by.

For this 18th edition of HAWAIKI NUI VA’A which will place on November 4th, 5th and 6th, 2009, the Organizing Committee, as a measure of economy,  safety and convenience,  made some changes as for the accommodation, the catering, the Taure' a and Va’a Hine route   and also for the meals’ distribution on arrival in Raiatea.

As regards Accommodation and Catering, only 15 engaged people by crew instead of 20, will be taken care by the organizer and the I.J.S.P.F. whom we greet by the way.
We also like to express our thanks to Heiva Nui for its faithful collaboration.

Concerning the course of  the Taure’a and Va’a Hine, we took into account the observations from our officials.

As soon as the start will be given, our paddlers men and women will go out by the strait of TEAVA PITI and will necessarily have to pass between the green and red beacons, they will  paddle up to the buoy situated at approximately 500m outside to by-pass it and then go strait to the " motu ATGER ". Crews will enter by this strait of ATGER between the green and red beacons.

After a grueling race and for more comfort, meals will be served not anymore at the finish of the seniors and veterans men race to Raiatea, but at their accommodation.

Hawaiki Nui Va' a is unquestionably and eagerly awaited by Polynesians, who all year round, multiply their efforts to gather the necessary funds which would allow them to live their passion.

Hawaiki Nui Va' a is not only fabulous, it is also an event which brings together  paddlers, volunteers, populations of the Leeward Islands and people coming from various countries.

It is true that such an organization of that importance cannot be managed without the support of the Country, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community, the IJSPF which I thank warmly.

Also, I would like to give many thanks to the State, to the official partners, to the sponsors, to the municipalities of the Leeward Islands, to the officials and to every voluntary helper.  
Let us have a small nostalgic thought to the instigator of this event, our dear departed Edouard MAAMAATUAIAHUTAPU, who would have been happy to see that the va’a is and will always be first in Polynesians hearts. As he used to say: the va’a, means of transport of our ancestors, belongs to us  the "maohi", it is essential to protect it.


To all paddlers and participants, I wish you a very good  HAWAIKI NUI VA’A RACE 2009. IA VAI NOA TE HERE I ROTO PU IA TATOU.


Elise MAAMAATUAIAHUTAPU