We all knew her as Chrissy who passed away in 2001, she was a New Zealand icon in Outrigger Canoeing, one of the top steers-women in the country and one of the very first people involved in the revival of the sport back in 1987. She was also a much loved and respected friend, mother and wife.

Throughout her paddling career Chrissy was coach and selector for teams of all ages, from Mini-midgets right through to Master women. Chrissy was also very supportive and encouraging of her three sons - Conan, Chase and Shawn, three very good up and coming paddlers in New Zealand. She was always very proud of them and her husband Bo, one of New Zealand’s top open men.

In 1988 Chrissy traveled to Hawaii to compete in the 3rd Outrigger World Sprint Championships. She paddled with the first women’s team in New Zealand to compete in an international event. From then on Chrissy missed only one World sprints event to date, she was very successful bringing home meddles for N. Z.

From the very first National Sprint Championships held at lake Karapiro, Cambridge in 1990, Chrissy has never missed a year of competition. Over the years collecting hordes of meddles, 2001 was her most successful year, bringing home 8 gold meddles in the Open and Masters events.

Chrissy’s Marathon achievements were also excellent, winning or placing in races such as- The Hauraki Hoe, a 70 km annual event held in Auckland.  The Sugar Loaf, a 42km, annual event held at Tutukaka. Te Taiawhiao Ipipiri race of 25 km, held annually in the Bay Of Islands. The Long Distance National Marathon Champs, usually 25km held at a different venue each year. She also competed at the annual Hamilton Island Outrigger marathon and sprints event held in Hamilton Island Australia and the Queen Liliokalni long distance race, held annually in Kailua Kona Hawaii.

Chrissy lived her life to the fullest, pushed herself hard, traveled around the world chasing races and she enjoyed every minute of it. She was a very competitive and mentally strong person, a real athlete.

Chrissy passed away earlier this year after a short illness. On behalf of Moana Nui, the paddlers of NZ and all who love her, I wish to say Farewell, we really miss you and we are very proud of your achievements as a friend, mother, wife and paddler.

Thank you for everything you have contributed to the growth of Outrigger canoeing in NZ, and from those of us who were lucky enough to race with you it was an honor and a privilege.

Chrissy steering at the world sprints in Townsville, 2000

Chrissy &
Bo Herbert