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The Taranaki Dragons
In August 2008, the Taranaki Dragons dragon boat team became BCA
C's 25th member group.
Welcoming the 25th member to the Coalition is a real milestone for our organisation. In 2004, we started out with 12 groups so we have more than doubled in number and strength! All of our wonderful dragon boaters add a colour, vibrancy and spirit to BCAC. They inspire us with their strength, determination, joy and their many victories!
The following information comes to us from Kathleen Moriarty (pictured below at right), President of the Taranaki Dragons.
If you would like to know more about the Taranaki Dragons team, please contact Kathleen on moriartykathleen@hotmail.com or by phone on (06) 752 0722. An alternative contact is Alyson Fitzsimons (pictured centre on right) on (06) 754 4419 or alyson.fitz@xtra.co.nz. The Dragons will have a website soon at www.taranakidragons.co.nz
The Taranaki Dragons Dragon Boat Team AGM Report.
August 2008
In December 2007, we formed the first ever Taranaki Breast Cancer Survivor dragonboating team. Some of us had attended the inaugural Breast Cancer Conference in Rotorua late in 2007. We became inspired by the stories of other teams around New Zealand and decided we could begin this venture in Taranaki. Dragonboating has been identified internationally as the survivor’s sport of choice, due to benefits to the upper body. Our vision includes encouraging survivors to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle and to reach out to women and men offering a message of hope and support.
We were loaned a dragonboat from the NZ Dragon Boating Association, purchased twenty paddles which were sponsored by businesses and individuals. We were on the water two months later. Our paddlers range in age from 20-70 and include a passionate experienced international paddler We have discovered a superb coach who is also a qualified sweep. With the help of our experienced sweep, we have paddled twice weekly on the Waitara river over the whole of last summer season.
We enjoy participation from non-breast cancer paddlers. 
We also appreciate support from the shore and rescue boat drivers. Six team members joined forces with the Waikato Treasure Chest team to participate in the dragonboat nationals – even though we came last in every race, it was an inspiring and fun experience.
The Taranaki Cancer Society has supported us hugely since our beginnings, allowing us to hold our meetings at Cancer House, managing our finances, providing administrative support and loaning the van to attend Nationals. We thank them so much.
We have now been successful in our application to become an Incorporated Society (August 2008). As of this AGM, we will be self-sufficient in managing our own finances and administration. We have sought grants. Currently we have been very successful in receiving $20,000. This will enable us to purchase our very own Chinese dragonboat, complete with dragon-head/tail and drummer’s seat. We can also purchase 25 life-jackets, carbon-fibre paddles and our corporate racing tops. Further funding initiatives are in progress.
We look forward with eagerness to our first full season of paddling. We intend building up our core group of paddlers. Sweep training has been organized. We have advertised for new members. We plan to take part in three regattas over the next season. Currently a web-site is being created, courtesy of WITT students. We intend to put into action, our on-the-water motto of the three T’s – teamwork, timing and technique. Go the Dragons!
