WEvirtual Challenges

19/10/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16NepDS4XJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia will arrive at Waitangi on November 14.

26/03/2025

We've created a virtual challenge inspired by the legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai.

Hinemoa and Tutanekai are legendary figures from Aotearoa whose tale of forbidden love transcends boundaries. In the legend, Hinemoa, a beautiful and spirited young lady lived at Owhata fell in love with the talented and handsome Tutanekai who lived on Mokoia Island. The relationship remained hidden due to family disapproval. Determined to be with Tutanekai, Hinemoa embarks on a perilous swim across Lake Rotorua (Te Rotorua nui a Kahumatamomoe), guided only by the sound of Tutanekai’s flute.

Join the challenge on the link below:
https://form.jotform.com/wevirtualchallenges/hinemoa-swims-registration-form

19/03/2025

📢It’s finally here our latest virtual challenge: 📢

Hinemoa Swims!

Inspired by the legendary swim of Hinemoa, this challenge is short and sweet so everyone can do it.

Why you should join us

✔️A challenge for all ages
✔️ Complete the distance from where ever you are

How to participate

🔗Register at the link https://form.jotform.com/wevirtualchallenges/hinemoa-swims-registration-form
🎉Share your achievement on your socials and tag

What’s in it for you

🏅Receive a unique finishers medal and an e-certificate
💵 pre-launch 20% discount

The details

💵115AED includes medal and delivery within the UAE
🚶Distance: 3.5km
🗓️When: 26 OR 27 April 2025

13/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15QBwtJA57/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Sam Muir-James is probably someone most of you have never heard of. He has autism. He was a Manukau masters swimmer.

He swam across Lake Taupo in 2017. He swam Cook Strait in 2019, aged 33.

Today he swam across the Foveaux Strait in 8 hours and 20 minutes making him the first special Olympian/ swimmer with an impairment to complete the "triple crown".

What a huge achievement.

The NZ Open Water Swimming page says only 11 others have done the triple crown and all but three are female. https://www.nzowsa.nz/new-zealand-triple-crown

In fact only one male has swam Foveaux Strait in a faster time than Muir-James, according to NZOWSA page .

He is is also believed to be the first person with autism to complete the 26-kilometre Cook Strait swim. Maybe even Lake Taupo, too. That's just awesome, right? Triple first.

UPDATE Have been told that there are at least two other swimmers waiting to be officially recognised as Triple Crown swimmers; Breanna Ward and David Edger as they await their Foveaux swims to be ratified.

[Update 2- see post dated 19 February for more on Muir-James]

if you like this post please help me to do more by making a small contribution to give-a-little. Without your support this page and other posts promoting fantastic achievements would not be written.

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/httpswwwfacebookcomswimnz

13/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12DUxkX3Buy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🏆 THE HINEMOA SWIM 🏆

The iconic Hinemoa Swim started in 1970 so has been going for over 50 years! The original swim was designed to follow a similar path to the one taken by Hinemoa, who legend states swam from the eastern side of Lake Rotorua to Mokoia Island to meet her lover Tūtanekai. In the 1990's the swim moved to Lake Tikitapu and was included in the Blue Lake Multisport Festival. We are honoured and excited to be continuing the swim again this year 💛

🏊🏾 Enter the Polynesian Spa Open Water Swim (2 km) and swim WITHOUT a wetsuit to have a crack at the Hinemoa (female) and Tutanekai (male) trophies!

⏰ Enter now at https://www.rats.org.nz/events/blmf/

📸 Rotorua Daily Post (Ben Fraser) - 2018 winners Milla Theobold and David Boles

09/01/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E1EMeYpAG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Around 1250–1300 CE, the Māori people made an incredible journey from Eastern Polynesia to New Zealand, navigating the vast Pacific Ocean in their advanced double-hulled canoes. These early explorers didn't just sail aimlessly; they used the stars, winds, and ocean currents to guide them. This remarkable feat of navigation laid the foundation for Māori settlements across New Zealand, creating a distinct culture that would last for centuries. Their mastery of the sea continues to be an essential part of their identity today.

The Māori language, Te Reo Māori, is one of New Zealand's official languages and has seen a revival in recent years. Once at risk of disappearing, it is now being taught in schools and celebrated in media, bringing a sense of pride to the Māori community. The resurgence of Te Reo is not just about words—it’s about preserving a way of life, connecting modern New Zealanders with their Māori heritage. It's also helped raise awareness of Māori traditions, bringing them back into the cultural spotlight.

Māori culture is not just about language; it has influenced everything from art to politics in New Zealand. The way the Māori respect the land and sea, their traditions, and their strong sense of community all play a big role in shaping modern New Zealand. Their history, once undervalued, is now widely acknowledged and celebrated, making the Māori a vital part of the nation’s story.

26/10/2024

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360465890/aucklander-youngest-person-ever-complete-oceans-7-and-shes-knackered?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2GsXdZ0hKLT2HRRizFfDl9lFV0M-ARh3XmKhD6FC0UxuvwwIs672FgYZE_aem_bpotyHQKlM2Q-bwqZQbsFA

Caitlin O’Reilly, 20, has achieved a momentous record after swimming Hawaii’s Molokai Channel.