We’re a dragon boat team from Ōtautahi, Christchurch, New Zealand 🐉🚣♀️
Formed in October 2025, we are a Premier Mixed team bringing together paddlers of diverse ages and backgrounds. United by a strong work ethic and a shared commitment to improvement, we strive to train hard, learn quickly, and foster a positive team culture both on and off the water.
Pounamu Dragons are guided by the following values, which underpin all activities, relationships, and governance of the society:
Manaakitanga (Respect and Care): We foster an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, compassion, and mutual respect.
Kotahitanga (Unity): We promote teamwork, collaboration, and collective strength, both on and off the water.
Whanaungatanga (Connection): We value intergenerational relationships, encouraging meaningful engagement between youth, elders, and wider whānau.
Hauora (Wellbeing): We are committed to enhancing physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through sport, community, and cultural expression.
Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship): We honour our responsibility to protect and celebrate cultural heritage, especially Māori identity and symbolism, through our team’s narrative and visual identity.
Rangatiratanga (Leadership): We empower individuals to lead with integrity, courage, and purpose, nurturing future leaders within our community.
Tūhonotanga (Partnership): We actively seek collaboration with schools, community groups, and charitable organisations to extend our reach and deepen our impact.
New to dragon boating? You’re very welcome to join us! The Aoraki dragon boat season runs from after Daylight Saving (late September) through to Nationals at the end of March, and we love welcoming new paddlers at any stage of the season.
Monday evenings – Lake Rua - Access is from the end of Lakes Way, off Greywacke Road
Meet at 6:15pm, on the water 6:30–7:30pm
Wednesday evenings – Kaiapoi River - Access off Revell Street by the footbridge
Meet at 6:15pm, on the water 6:30–7:30pm
Sunday afternoons – Lake Rua
Meet at 5.15pm, on the water 5:30–6.30pm
No experience is needed — we’ll teach you everything you need to know
All fitness levels are welcome
Any age, over 12 years
Just bring comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting wet, and a positive attitude!
All team members must be able to swim 50 metres
Paddles and life jackets are provided
If you’re keen to give it a go or want more information, we’d love to hear from you. Come along and see what dragon boating — and the Pounamu Dragons whānau — is all about. 🐉💚
A huge thank you to all our sponsors who supported our Got Ya Back Fundraiser for 2026 💚🐉
We would especially like to acknowledge:
• Plus Finance
• Right Move Legal
• Stone Living
• Ezy Lift
• Rangiora Espresso Cafe
And to all the individuals and businesses who sponsored our paddlers — we truly appreciate your support.
We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you! 🙌💚