11 July, 2025
Paddling to a win Fairhaven School teacher Dana Piggott and her husband Baida Ali are heading to Germany to represent New Zealand at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Germany next week. They will be joining Ali’s brother and sister-in-law
on the team, making it a family affair. While the main purpose of taking up the sport was to find another outlet to build on her sporting background and fitness, national honours quickly became a goal. Piggott’s selection for the national crew
at the 2025 championships comes after disappointment when she trialled for the last world championship squad two years ago. Since the last national trial, she has focused on improving her own paddling technique and style with the help of the
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coaches at Bay of Plenty Dragon Flyers who, she said, have been a massive part of her journey. Pictured is the Bay of Plenty Dragon Flyers, a team Piggott is part of, competing. Read more on pages 4 and 5. Photo / Supplied