Relief for paddlers and va’a enthusiasts: despite strikes in the aviation sector, the Hawaiki Nui Va’a 2026 remains scheduled as planned, from October 28 to 31. After several days of meetings and deliberations, the organizing committee assures that “everything is set” for the start next Wednesday in Huahine. The race will be followed live in our news updates.
The organizing committee of the legendary va’a race, whose top start is due next Wednesday in Huahine, announced on Saturday morning that this 33e edition will indeed be maintained. Threats loomed over its organization due to ongoing social movements in the aviation sector, with strikes at Air Tahiti and at Somstat. But “in light of the evolution of the situation, the committee believes that the conditions are now in place to organize the event under good conditions,” the organization said in a statement.
“Solutions have been found for the transfer of taote, rescue workers and nurses via Air Moana,” specifies Tutu Maamaatuaiahutapu, and “the other participants have made their arrangements.” “Everything is set!,” rejoices the president of the organizing committee, who has spent these days in back-to-back meetings to allow the competition to go ahead.
So, rendezvous is set for all va’a enthusiasts from October 28 to 31 across Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora. The event will be followed live on our channels throughout next week with our on-site correspondent, Alex from Va’a News.
On the Air Tahiti side, as of Sunday at 4 p.m., 28 flights had taken off out of the 42 scheduled for the day. The impact of the strike by part of the commercial flight crew, ramp workers and housekeeping staff was felt. Management and the unions (CSIP, O oe to oe rima and Syndicat maison des PNC) have not communicated any notable progress in negotiations, which are mainly financial in nature. On the Somstat side, the CSIP strike also continues, with a minimum service that has allowed planes to take off so far.
