Mitch Zandstra
From rugby setback to world champion and community builder.
About the kaupapa
Waka ama gave us purpose. We exist to pass it on.
Hauora Waka Uplift is grounded in lived experience, te ao Maori values and the belief that people grow when they move together.
Purpose
To uplift individuals and communities.
The kaupapa is simple: use waka ama to create meaningful experiences on and off the water. The work supports wellbeing, leadership, confidence and connection for rangatahi, teams and communities.
It is not only about paddling. It is about what people learn when they share rhythm, direction, challenge and responsibility.
The team
Real experience, on and off the water.
Howard James
Guiding rangatahi and teams through calm, practical leadership.
Michael Whare Randell
Holding cultural grounding, connection and care across the work.