Dreams really do come true, just ask the team at Uruuruwhenua Hauora.

The group spent recent years gaining funding and support for two waka ama, which have since been purchased and blessed, ready for use on Lake Dunstan.

On Friday morning, under grey skies, more than 50 people attended a naming ceremony for the waka ama, now known as Sweet Kōura and Tuna Kuwharuwharu.

People of all ages attended the event on the shores of Lake Dunstan, including Francie Diver, who is Ngai Tahu representative in Central Otago and an Uruuruwhenua Hauora board member.

The name Sweet Kōura was an emotional tribute to Francie, as it was the name of her former farm on Dunstan Rd. The name also means freshwater crayfish.

“I didn’t know,” she said, of the surprise she got when she saw the name on the front of one of the waka ama.

The other name, Tuna Kuwharuwharu, means long finned eel.

The ceremony, led by board of directors chairperson Louise McKenzie, started with a karakia by Alan George and Murray Radka.

Louise McKenzie (right) conducts a blessing during the naming ceremony.

Murray called to Tangaroa, the keeper of the lakes, rivers and oceans and prayed to God to bless the waka and keep those who paddle in it safe.

“Waka, it’s not just a sport, it’s not just a competition - it’s a spiritual thing for the people of the Pacific,” he said.

He said anyone who paddles in the waka ama will be keeping traditions alive.

Sport Otago community sport and active recreation advisor Jo Knight also attended the event.

She said when she heard about Uruuruwhenua’s plans to bring waka ama into the district, she felt the need to support the initiative.

Sport Otago manages the Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund, which benefits projects just like this one, Jo said.

“That fund [benefits] initiatives that get young people active. This one came up, I heard a rumour and I thought that’s exactly what we need to be doing in this community.” 

Uruuruwhenua manager Melanie Kuiti thanked everyone for their support and for attending the day’s special occasion.

She recalled the process starting with an application and idea that was already on the table when she joined the organisation five years ago.

“They had that dream for our community because they knew how much it would mean,” she said.

PHOTOS & VIDEO: The Central App