Gisborne’s Akayshia Williams has solidified her reign as the “Queen of Karāpiro” after winning her seventh premier women’s 500-meter title at the Waka Ama NZ Sprint Nationals.
Held at Lake Karāpiro, the race saw Williams, representing Self Storage Gisborne Horouta Waka Hoe, dominate from start to finish, clocking an impressive 2 minutes and 27.41 seconds—over five seconds ahead of her nearest rival.
Notably, Maia Campbell, inspired by his late mother Kiwi Campbell, took gold in the J19 men’s W1 500m final with a time of 2:15.38. Gaibreill Wainohu and Hine Brooking also secured wins in their respective categories, further cementing Gisborne’s dominance in the sport.
Williams’ victory is part of a larger celebration for the Gisborne Waka Ama community, which continues to receive strong backing from Self Storage Gisborne and now All Secure Self Storage.
Their continued sponsorship has played a pivotal role in supporting the team’s preparation and success. All Secure Group’s commitment to continue on from Self Storage Gisborne’s sponsorship of the local team underscores the Jex Blake’s family’s dedication to fostering talent in Tairāwhiti, ensuring athletes have the resources needed to excel on the national stage and for Horouta Waka Hoe to continue being a powerhouse in Waka Ama.
Gisborne waka ama paddler Queen of Karāpiro once again – NZ Herald
Gillies, J. (2025, Jan 16). Gisborne Waka Ama paddler Queen of Karapiro once again. Gisborne Herald. Retrieved from https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gisborne-waka-ama-paddler-queen-of-karapiro-once-again/F3SY3LRBE5DHTKNQQFTGFDKA74/
