Skip to Main navigationSkip to Content  
 
Transpower LogoGrid New Zealand Title Image
Banner Image

CommunityCare Fund launches waka in Mangakino

Two waka ama (outrigger canoes) were launched last week in Mangakino, north of Taupo. The two waka, along with paddles, life jackets and boat trailers, were purchased with a $42,000 grant from Transpower's CommunityCare Fund.

The Fund assists those communities affected by Transpower assets and projects by investing in community-based projects that add real value and benefit to the community as a whole.

The Mangakino community is affected by the new overhead transmission line being built as part of the North Island Grid Upgrade Project, and also has five existing transmission lines nearby. The new waka ama will form an important part of the Mangakino Community Agency's after school and community youth programmes.

Transpower's System Operations Manager Dan Twigg was there to help launch the two new waka. He says that the Community Agency clearly has a big role to play in the local community and the new equipment will help the programmes that it is able to offer the residents of Mangakino.

"The new waka is a good example of how the CommunityCare Fund can help out with projects in communities where our assets have an impact. It was really nice to be involved," he said.

Mangakino women launch their new waka on Lake Maraetai. Above: Mangakino women launch their new waka on Lake Maraetai.
Pat Walker (in Black), respected member of the local community and Transpower's Dan Twigg inspect the new blessed waka. Above: Pat Walker (in Black), respected member of the local community and Transpower's Dan Twigg inspect the new blessed waka.