This week over 2000 students from 132 secondary schools will descend upon Tikitapu, also known as Blue Lake, in Rotorua, to take part in the 21st Annual National Secondary School Waka Ama Championship.

For the first time, the event will also include the Inaugural NZ Canoe Racing Secondary School Nationals.

“It's super exciting to have Canoe Racing NZ come and join us next week for the first time," says Waka Ama NZ CEO Lara Collins.

"It’s a great opportunity for Waka Ama participants to give Canoe/Kayak a try and vice versa."

The National Secondary School Waka Ama Championship started in 2002 and has grown every year to be one of the largest participation secondary school events on the calendar.  “

We are happy to be able to provide Canoe Racing NZ a platform to hold their first secondary school championship and for our two organisations to share knowledge and work together…If it’s good for rangatahi, let's do it," says Lara.

Schools from as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as Queenstown will be taking part in the event as well as 2 schools from Tahiti.

Racing takes place from Tuesday March 19 to Friday March 22. The first Canoe Racing events begin on Wednesday March 20.

Students from 132 secondary schools will descend upon Tikitapu, in Rotorua, to take part in the 21st Annual National Secondary School Waka Ama Championship. Photo: Supplied.

“We are very thankful to Waka Ama NZ for providing us with the opportunity to partner for the first NZ Secondary Schools Canoe Racing Championships," says Canoe Racing CEO, Graham Oberlin-Brown.

"New Zealand is a great paddling nation, and Waka Ama NZ run great events; so we jumped at this opportunity to give our rangatahi the ability to compete at an event of this scale, as well as opening up opportunities for the community of paddlers to try each discipline.”

Since 2005, Te Waiariki Purea Trust has been the gracious host of this event in Rotorua.

“Excitedly, this year marks the debut of Kayak events, providing rangatahi with the chance to explore new experiences." says TWPT CEO Kiti Ransfield-King.

Spectators are welcome to attend throughout the week. Tikitapu – Blue Lake, is one of the most beautiful locations for a sporting event in the world and we would encourage anyone to come along and check out the racing action and the electric atmosphere that only 2000 plus rangatahi can provide.