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Te Tohu Hiranga Poari Ā-Rohe o Ōtara–Papatoetoe / Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Excellence Award, supports local individuals and groups who proudly represent the community through outstanding achievement.
Recent award recipient and proud Samoan/Scottish Year 9 student Paddler Lochlan Sa'olotoga Te'o, will represent Aotearoa at the Waka Ama World Distance Championship in Brazil this August.
He has been named to the famed J19 Aotearoa Tāne team, a select group of seven elite paddlers chosen to compete internationally.
Lochlan and his team will face a gruelling 24km open ocean race and funding from the board’s excellence award will help cover his costs for the journey, including travel, accommodation and equipment.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “The Local board is proud to support locals who are excelling on the world stage. Too often, outsiders underestimate us, but these awards recognise and celebrate that we are beating the odds and thriving at the top of our chosen fields.”
Applications are available via the main Auckland Council website.
The purpose of the Excellence Award is to:
• increase the profile and image of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area
• help applicants build their ability to serve the community
• promote diverse participation in local government and community life
• support a sustainable local workforce
• strengthen community unity across the area
Funding through the Excellence Award ranges from $500 to $2,000.
Applications are accepted year-round in two funding rounds. Round two runs from 1 July 2025 to 15 June 2026. All applications must be submitted at least eight weeks before the scheduled event date.
Lochlan's journey
Lochlan’s paddling journey began seven years ago in primary school, and he is proud to represent the Takapuna-based Pineula Inc. Waka Ama Club.
His mother, Caragh Doherty shares that this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity comes with significant costs and even with the incredible support from his whānau and friends, this help from the local board is needed.
“For Lochlan, waka ama is more than a sport - it’s a passion. He feels at home on the water, where he finds a deep connection to the ocean. Being part of this elite team is both an honour and a challenge at such a young age, but he thrives on the training and enjoys paddling with teammates. Help from the local board would make this dream a reality - covering his journey to Rio and helping him purchase a new paddle for the competition.”
Wishing Lochlan Te'o all the best as he prepares to take on the world stage!
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