Pulling Together - NZCT Supports Taupō Rowing Club

NZCT has awarded Taupō Rowing Club $20,000 for a new quad rowing boat.

Club President Melissa Cameron says -

We need to replace three quads, but Taupō Rowing Club is not a well-funded organization. We break even from a cashflow perspective, but have never depreciated our assets to set aside funds to replace the boats. Our most recent purchase was in 2008 and those boats are nearing the end of practical life. Our club is constantly growing, but limits on the availability of suitable boats are a key constraint to promoting Learn to Row events in the community and bringing more people into the sport. We thank NZCT for the support that’s allowed us a new quad to keep the Learning to Row program going

The rowing 'season' goes from September to the end of March for the rangatahi and end of May for Masters and Club members. In addition, we have training of some sort happening all year. For school rowers, the first six months is dubbed the ‘club’ season and the remaining four to six weeks the ‘school’ season. During the ‘club’ season the rowers compete for the club and wear the Taupo colours at regattas. Then during the ‘school’ season they row for their school and wear the appropriate school colours.

We provide adolescents and adults of all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to row in an inclusive, affordable, supportive, committed, and safe environment.

We value the rich diversity of the communities we serve and aspire to provide a sense of belonging.

We love our lake and waterways and understand the power and cultural significance they hold.

We remain committed to breaking down financial and social barriers that limit access to rowing.

We aim to have a fit-for-purpose fleet of boats and equipment and use our resources responsibly.

Successful rowers develop a deep practical understanding of the power of teamwork and our ultimate goal is a club where everyone belongs and pulls together to support the best within each other.

We offer the opportunity to train and compete at the highest levels appropriate to ability and stage of development. Regattas are generally held at Lake Karapiro, Rotorua Blue Lake and Clive River in Hawkes Bay. The Maadi Cup alternates in either the North or South Islands each year. For Club and Masters levels, we participate in events at Clive, Blue Lakes, Lake Rotorua, Te Awamutu and Lake Karapiro.

Club activity involves competitive rowing and fitness development, teaching, and promoting rowing at all levels. TRC represents both community rowing and rowing for Taupō’s secondary schools. We embrace a Safety First mindset at all times, including being observant of the water and weather conditions, and following New Zealand Water Safety Rules and policies set by NZ Rowing.

Taupō Rowing Club has been in operation from 1975. Lake Taupō provides one of the most majestic places to row in the country and we launch from several locations. The masters row from the Taupō Beach near the marina and Yacht Club. We also have club training facilities at the Sea Scout Ship close to town for our juniors. We have storage and boats in Tokaanu at the Southern end of the lake and can row there when the rest of the lake is too rough.