Story Source: NZ Defence Force
Sergeant Kirrin Borgman of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has found a powerful link to her Samoan heritage through the sport of waka ama racing. By day, Borgman works at Trentham Military Camp, processing Long Service Awards for RNZAF personnel as part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) Personnel Archives and Medals unit. Off-duty, she immerses herself in Samoan language and culture as a member of Ōtaki Waka Hoe, a club dedicated to racing outrigger canoes.
Embracing a Multicultural Heritage
Born to Samoan and Scottish parents, Borgman grew up in Titahi Bay, Porirua, amidst a vibrant Pasifika community. Despite this, she struggled with her cultural identity during her teenage years at Wellington’s St Mary’s College.
“I wasn’t really Samoan, and I wasn’t really Scottish, and not really feeling like a New Zealander either,” Borgman recalls. Although she participated in Scottish cultural activities like playing the bagpipes and performing in pipe bands, she often felt more connected to her Scottish roots.
Her journey to embrace her Samoan heritage began to take shape when she joined the RNZAF in 1999, encouraged by her mother. It wasn’t until a posting in Singapore with her husband, also in the Air Force, that she encountered waka ama.
Discovering Waka Ama
In Singapore, Borgman and her husband were invited to join waka ama racing due to their New Zealand background. Although she had previously tried dragon boating, waka ama was a new experience.
“Once you race, that adrenaline, that camaraderie, just being on the water, it drew me back,” Borgman explains. The experience rekindled childhood memories of paddling an outrigger canoe in Samoa, making her feel an immediate connection to her heritage.
A Tribute to Her Grandmother
In 2020, following the passing of her grandmother, Momotu, Borgman bought her own single-person va’a, which she named ‘Feso’otaiga o Motu,’ translating to ‘Connector of Islands.’ This va’a symbolises her ties to Singapore, New Zealand, Samoa, her grandmother, and her daughter, Arya Momotu.
“So now my va’a connects me to Singapore, New Zealand, Samoa, my Grandmother, and daughter Arya Momotu,” Borgman says with pride.
Embracing Dual Identities
Borgman has come to accept and celebrate her dual heritage, realising she doesn’t need to fully master either culture to honour them. Her pride in her Samoan roots is evident in the support and unity of her family and the joy she feels watching her daughter learn Samoan at school.
“Seeing how my family can come together to support each other in good times and in bad makes me proud to be a Samoan,” she shares. She views her people as those she loves and who love her, including those connected by blood, marriage, or circumstance.
In her professional life, Borgman brings this familial approach to the NZDF, fostering a supportive environment she likens to an extended family or ‘aiga’ in Samoan culture.
Looking to the Future
Borgman’s journey with waka ama has culminated in her team qualifying for the IVF Va’a World Club Sprints in Hawai’i this year. This milestone marks a significant achievement in both her personal growth and her paddling journey.
“It’s been such a big life journey for me as well as a va’a journey, from novice to attending Worlds,” she reflects.
Sergeant Kirrin Borgman’s story is one of rediscovery, connection, and the celebration of her rich cultural heritage through waka ama. Her journey underscores the importance of embracing one’s roots and finding community and identity in shared passions.
Contact Information: For more information, please contact the RNZAF Personnel Archives and Medals Unit at Trentham Military Camp.
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