Twenty-eight members of the team had to be rescued today after three waka they were training in became swamped off Auckland's Takapuna beach.
The players had planned to kayak to Rangitoto Island and climb to the top as part of a fitness exercise, announcing their plans on their Twitter account.
But soon after the team tweeted: "The team's Rangitoto paddle and run ended up with three submerged waka and an immediate response from nearby craft. Everybody is safe and the team are in high spirits.
"Procedures were put in place to look after the team, special thanks to Harbourmaster, the police and coastguard for their assistance and for responding so promptly and efficiently."
The team's coach Sir John Kirwan said two of the waka took on water.
"The safety support boat moved in and craft from a yachting event nearby were asked to assist getting players to shore," he said.
Senior constable David Turley of maritime police said everyone made it back to Takapuna beach safely and the waka were recovered.
Sir John said at no stage were any of the players in any danger and he thanked those who assisted.
The waka ama was managed by experienced personnel who briefed the players beforehand, he said, and the players had previous experience with the craft in their recent training camp in Northland.
- Susan Strongman of the New Zealand Herald
