Our Journey
Moana Nui Polynesian Canoes and Paddles is a family-run business dedicated to crafting and selling Waka (outrigger canoes), paddles, and accessories. Alongside our canoes, we offer a range of branded clothing, hats, and gear for paddlers and enthusiasts.
Originally founded in Pawerenga, Moana Nui is now based on the Tutukaka Coast, east of Whangarei. Our story is deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and a passion for Waka Ama.
Our journey began in 1987 when Kris Kjeldsen established Nga Hoe Horo Canoe Builders alongside the late Bo Herbert. Their goal was to build a fleet of W6 Waka for the 1990 IPCF World Outrigger Sprint Championship Regatta in Auckland. The first W6 they built was known as the "1990 Design."
A decade later, Kris’s son, Maui Kjeldsen, designed and built the next generation of W6 canoes, including the Mahimahi and later the Maki W6. Jason Lloyd later refined the Mahimahi, creating the "New Generation" model.
In 1993, the company evolved into Moana Nui Polynesian Canoes and Paddles, with Maui joining the business to design and build canoes and paddles. By 1996, Moana Nui was officially registered as a Limited Company. Over the years, other family members played vital roles in the business. Kris’s daughter, Kapua Kjeldsen, helped manage operations and handcraft paddle bags and spray skirts, while his wife, Alamein, joined in 1998, working alongside Kris until 2006.
Kris’s passing in 2011 was a significant loss to his whānau, friends, and the Waka Ama community. He was not only a master craftsman but a beloved figure whose dedication to Waka Ama shaped the sport in New Zealand. Today, Kapua and her husband, Jason, continue to uphold his vision, keeping Moana Nui running from the same Matapouri property, ensuring Kris’s dream lives on.
Moana Nui Polynesian Canoes and Paddles is a family-run business dedicated to crafting and selling Waka (outrigger canoes), paddles, and accessories. Alongside our canoes, we offer a range of branded clothing, hats, and gear for paddlers and enthusiasts.
Originally founded in Pawerenga, Moana Nui is now based on the Tutukaka Coast, east of Whangarei. Our story is deeply rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and a passion for Waka Ama.
Our journey began in 1987 when Kris Kjeldsen established Nga Hoe Horo Canoe Builders alongside the late Bo Herbert. Their goal was to build a fleet of W6 Waka for the 1990 IPCF World Outrigger Sprint Championship Regatta in Auckland. The first W6 they built was known as the "1990 Design."
A decade later, Kris and his son, Maui Kjeldsen, designed and built a new model W6 Waka this is called Mahimahi.
In 1993, the company evolved into Moana Nui Polynesian Canoes and Paddles, with Maui joining the business to design and build canoes and paddles. By 1996, Moana Nui was officially registered as a Limited Company. Over the years, other family members played vital roles in the business. Kris’s daughter, Kapua Kjeldsen, helped manage operations and handcraft paddle bags and spray skirts, while his wife, Alamein, joined in 1998, working alongside Kris until 2006.
Kris’s passing in 2011 was a significant loss to his whānau, friends, and the Waka Ama community. He was not only a master craftsman but a beloved figure whose dedication to Waka Ama shaped the sport in New Zealand. Today, Kapua and her husband, Jason, continue to uphold his vision, keeping Moana Nui running from the same Matapouri property, ensuring Kris’s dream lives on.
Our Purpose
Kris was one of three key figures in the revival of Waka Ama in New Zealand. For him, it was more than a business -it was a way of life. His vision was to provide high-quality, accessible canoes and paddles to the Waka Ama community, helping the sport thrive.
Over the years, Moana Nui has achieved several milestones:
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In 1998, the Surfrigger was selected as the primary W1 Waka for the World Outrigger Sprint Championships in Fiji.
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By 2000, the Seahorse became the main W1 Waka for the World Outrigger Sprint Championships in Townsville, Australia.
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In 2006, Moana Nui was commissioned to build a fleet of Mahimahi W6 canoes for the Outrigger Canoe Sprint Championships at Lake Karapiro, NZ.
Today, Moana Nui continues to grow, producing W4 and W6 Waka that are sold worldwide. We remain committed to innovation, affordability, and preserving the rich traditions of Waka Ama. Being part of this incredible community is both an honor and a privilege, and we look forward to continuing this journey for years to come.