Whanaungatanga
Connection and belonging. We build genuine relationships so no one is in the waka alone.
Tauranga Moana · Aotearoa
Building connection, leadership and wellbeing through waka.
Hauora Waka Uplift uses waka ama and kaupapa Maori approaches to strengthen hauora, leadership, teamwork and connection within our communities.
Ko wai matou · Who we are
Through waka ama, team-building experiences and community initiatives, we create meaningful experiences on and off the water.
The work is grounded in te ao Maori and the mauri of Tauranga Moana. Waka ama is the vehicle; community impact is the outcome.
O matou uara · Our values
Three values guide every time we hit the water.
Manaakitanga
Care and respect. Every person is welcomed, supported and uplifted.
Hauora
Holistic wellbeing across tinana, hinengaro, whanau and wairua.
2022
World Champion
World Champion
Te take · Why we exist
From Setback To Purpose
Founder Mitch Zandstra was an ambitious rugby player until a second head knock and frontal-lobe injury ended his playing days. Still searching for purpose two years later, he found waka ama.
Waka ama gave him purpose, a physical push and social connection. Seven years, national titles and a 2022 World Championship later, Mitch started Hauora Waka Uplift to give back to others asking what now.
Meet the teamNga hotaka · Programmes
Two ways to get your people on the water.
Rangatahi programmes
Leadership development, water confidence, cultural connection, teamwork, resilience and wellbeing for young people.
View programmesCorporate Experiences
Not just paddling. Leadership and performance development delivered through waka ama.
Explore corporateMo nga pakihi · For business
Not just paddling — leadership and performance through waka.
A two-hour experience on Tauranga Moana that builds the things high-performing teams are made of.
Whakapa mai · Get in touch
Bring your team, school or whanau onto the water.
Whether you want to lift your team, enquire for a school or support the kaupapa, we would love to hear from you.