Five years ago, Peata Nuku sustained a life-changing injury on a building site. She has made a remarkable recovery and in 2024 became a World Para Waka Ama Champion.
Peata Pitman is back enjoying competitive Waka Ama after recovering from a 10 Metre fall, Te Atatu Boat Club, Auckland last year. Photo: Shane Wenzlick
Peata Nuku has no memories of the day her life changed forever, which she says is probably for the best.
The 21-year-old was working on a building site in Auckland when she fell 10 metres from scaffolding onto a stack of steel planks below. It was a sickening sight and sound as her workmates rushed to her aid, and called for an ambulance.
The next thing she remembers is waking up in hospital, connected to tubes and machines.
“Waking up in hospital was strange, because I was really high on the morpheein they had me on for the pain,” says Nuku with her trademark giggle.
“It took a while for it to sink in, after they told me that I had been in a serious accident.”
Nuku (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine) had MRI scans which confirmed she had broken her back. She spent a few more days in Auckland Hospital before she was transferred to the Auckland Spinal Unit in Ōtara.
“To be honest, I was 21 and I had no idea what a spinal cord injury meant. I didn’t know what my life was going to be like moving forward.”
Nuku was told that her spinal cord was not damaged, and with rehabilitation, it’s likely that she would be able to walk again.
“That was obviously a huge relief… but I also then realised the serious nature of my injury.”
Nuku was lucky to be alive. She had fallen from a significant height and was fortunate with the extent of her injuries.
“The doctors couldn’t believe it,” says the 26-year-old, who now works in a warehouse.
“They said I should have been dead after my fall or at the least be paralysed. I know I am fortunate. Every day I realise I’m very lucky.”
Peata Pitman is back enjoying competitive Waka Ama after recovering from a 10 Metre fall, Te Atatu Boat Club, Auckland last year. Photo: Shane Wenzlick
With the goal of walking again, Nuku was determined to make the most of her rehabilitation. She stayed at the Auckland Spinal Unit for two months and found it challenging.
“It was a bit shocking for me, because I couldn’t have my partner there with me, and I was still coming to terms with what had happened,” she says.
“But over time I made some good friends, and it gave me perspective. I realised there were many others worse off than me, and I wanted to make the most of my life.”
She managed to get back up and walking, which was a hugely emotional moment.
Leaving the support to go home the Spinal Unit was challenging, but she says the support of ACC was incredible.
“They have always been there for me,” she says. “Every physio, every case manager I have had with ACC have really cared about me and they have helped with my return to work. There is no doubt they have given me a second chance at life, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Nuku decided that she wanted to get back into sport. She loved Waka Ama as a teenager and wanted to try it again. Getting back on the water was a special feeling.
“I was nervous after my accident but to know I could still do it gave me a lot of confidence.”
In August, Nuku travelled with the New Zealand team to the IVF World Sprint Championships in Hawaii. She made a spectacular debut in the Para Waka Ama team.
Roni Nuku, the coach of the NZ Para Waka Ama team, says Peata is a special talent who has overcome incredible adversity to represent Aotearoa.
“Her attitude and bubbly personality are what makes her stand out,” says Roni, who is related to Peata (Peata’s Dad is her husband’s cousin).
“She is always smiling and laughing, consistently being cheeky and teasing her teammates. She has a competitive edge where she will never give up.”
Roni described Peata as the “ultimate team player” who took on her role within the team without questions.
“She brought a lot of value to the campaign. In Hawaii, she helped us create a cohesive unit that would paddle for one another. It was a coach’s dream.”
Peata won the female VL4 250m V1 (single craft) event.
“She won by miles and the best part was her game face, the determination throughout the challenging conditions and then the sheer joy of crossing the finish line first. We go back and watch it over and over. It is such a joy to watch.”
Roni says that Peata has a huge amount of potential to reach the Paralympics and excel. The only barrier currently in her way is her classification as a VL4 paddler.
“We believe this is not the right category, and then if she is a VL3 or less, then watch out world!”
Peata has met Paralympics Waka Ama bronze medallist Peter Cowan a few times and is inspired by his success.
“Pete is a lovely guy, he always has time for people,” she says. “He has shown to people like me what you can achieve on the world stage if you never give up and work hard.”
In January, Peata is looking forward to making her debut at the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals on Lake Karāpiro.
In 2025, paddlers and their whānau from all over Aotearoa will celebrate 35 years of waka ama, the Māori form of outrigger canoeing.
Around 380 races are held over the seven days, making the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals the biggest event of its kind in the world.
“I am a bit nervous because it’s a big event and I struggle with walking for long distances,” she says. “But I am looking forward to it. There is nothing like being on the water and competing. For me being out there, I feel like everyone else. I feel normal again.”
Andy Milne, ACC’s deputy chief executive of strategy, engagement and prevention, says they are proud to support the Waka Ama Sprint Nationals.
“We’re committed to supporting kaupapa like waka ama that promotes the health and wellbeing of whānau of all ages,” says Milne.
“Community events like Waka Ama help us to raise awareness and build understanding around ACC services that improve access and health outcomes for Māori.”
Peata has good advice for people who have sustained a life-changing injury.
“Push through,” she says. “I know it sucks. There’s bad days and good days. Everyone has them, but just keep thinking positively.
“There’s no point in crying about it for too long. Otherwise life starts moving on and you get left behind. Find something that motivates you to get out of bed and get moving.”
Peata Pitman is back enjoying competitive Waka Ama after recovering from a 10 Metre fall, Te Atatu Boat Club, Auckland. Photo: Shane Wenzlick