Wānaka Rowing Club recently took delivery of three new boats which will help the growing membership of masters and juniors to row, train and compete. 

Club members met last month to name, bless and launch the new boats in a ceremony and karakia conducted by club captain Tristan Hughes, with a waiata sung by Alanna and Troy Brett.

“Since then the boats have been enjoyed in both social, developmental and racing situations by club rowers of all ages and abilities,” club spokesperson Lizzie Ritchie said.

Lizzie said the club was grateful to several funders for making the procurement of the boats possible, “enhancing the experience of many of our current and future rowers”.

The Lion Foundation and the Grassroots Trust jointly funded the purchase of the Laszlo coxless quad/four named ‘Shane Gibson’. 

Left: Shane and Tracy Gibson with daughter Holly. Right: Jaime, Anna-Kate, and Daisy Hutter. 

AAW Jones Charitable Trust funded the purchase of the newly named double boat ‘Jaime Hutter’ and the quad ‘Te Waiatakaia’.

Ngai Tahu gifted the club with the name Te Waiatakaia, the original name for Mount Iron. Lizzie said it was a name the club would “treasure”.

“Shane Glibson has filled many roles within the club and is an encouraging and driving force for club members of all ages. He rarely misses a training session,” Lizzie said.

“Jaime’s involvement with the club goes back many years and he has helped introduce plenty of new rowers to the sport and was club treasurer for 15 years.”

She said naming the boats recognised the “selfless input” of both men and their families “to build the club and develop and encourage new and existing rowers”.

PHOTOS: Supplied