"The atmosphere [was] awesome. The kids had fun and the racing was exciting to see," Kelley says.

Students from 118 schools, from Dunedin to Kaiataia, compete at the lake in W12, W6 and W1 divisions.  Kelley says there were many benefits of young people taking part in waka ama.

"It keeps them busy, positive and active. We have a policy in our kaupapa which is no deep-fried foods and no fizzy to be sold on site during the four days. We try to encourage our kids to be healthy, lifestyle is the key."