One of the leaders of the New Zealand contingent to the world waka ama championships says it's possible Aotearoa could one day topple Tahiti as the sport's leader.
Waatea News reports French Polynesia ended the regatta in Noumea at the weekend with 28 gold, 24 silver and 10 bronze medals, compared with New Zealand's 11 golds, 10 silvers and 21 bronzes.
Australia took home 19 medals and Hawaii 12.
Hoturoa Kerr from Nga Kaihoe o Aotearoa Trust says New Zealand has the largest number of paddlers, including more than 200 Maori, but the Tahitians' experience counted in the big races.