A free waka ama event in Tauranga is set to help disabled people and their whānau discover the sport, build confidence on the water and connect with their local paddling community.

Waka Ama Aotearoa has organised three Whaikaha Waka Ama Have-a-Go Days as part of a project funded through the inaugural Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant programme.

The second event will be held on Sunday, October 18, at Matatu Reserve, Lake Taurikura, Tauranga, Paralympics New Zealand engagement and communications lead Steve Landells said.

The initiative is designed to introduce disabled New Zealanders and their families to waka ama through free, welcoming and inclusive experiences, while creating pathways into ongoing club participation.

Participants will have the opportunity to try waka ama in a supportive environment, with sessions focused on building confidence, encouraging social connection and helping paddlers take the next step into regular involvement in the sport.

Tauranga-based world champion Waka Ama Para paddler Makuini Johnson will be on hand to support participants and share her experience in the sport.

The event is one of eight projects selected to receive funding through the PNZ Bupa Inclusive Para Sport Grant, which has invested a combined $73,000 into initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to participation and creating more inclusive sporting opportunities for disabled New Zealanders.

PNZ said more than 1200 disabled New Zealanders, coaches, whānau, friends, volunteers and people new to Para sport are expected to benefit from funded projects across the country.

The grants support national sporting organisations, regional disability sport groups and community organisations to deliver programmes that help disabled people discover Para sport, develop their skills and connect with ongoing opportunities to participate.

People interested in attending the Tauranga Have-a-Go Day can find out more through Waka Ama Aotearoa.