27/08/2026
Aotearoa’s second best are now the second best in the world.
Ruamata Pure OCC have claimed silver in the Open Men’s V6 1500m at the Va’a World Sprints, crossing the line in 6:44.95.
Aotearoa dominated the final line-up, with four NZ crews lining up alongside one team from Tahiti and one from Hawai‘i. In a fight right to the finish, Pure OCC dug deep to edge out Team Pineula for silver.
This one also carries a little extra meaning. After more than 20 years paddling together, this could possibly be their last 1500m race in the Open Men’s division, as members of the crew begin making their way into the Masters age grades.
Rāhia caught up with Wiri Hohepa, Mitch Zandstra, Nona Taute, Courtney Higgins, Manawa Irwin and Sam Baker moments after they came off the water as world silver medallists.