At Dawson & Associates our community programme is more than about committing a portion of our billable time to charitable work, or sponsorship, it is about supporting causes that give back to our community – both the marine sector and our local environment.
Since we started, we have consistently reinvested 10% of our billable time to charitable work in the marine sector and we have recently added local athlete sponsorship to this. We regard this ‘tithe’ on our time as part of our DNA.
Some examples of our work include:
Callum Sebualala
About Callum
Callum Sebualala is a passionate Waka Ama athlete, outdoor instructor, coach and teacher whose life revolves around the water and inspiring others to connect with it. With over a decade of competitive paddling experience, and a lifetime of on water time Callum has earned medals at both national and international levels, establishing himself as a dedicated and driven paddler and steersman within the Waka Ama community.
Currently training full-time, Callum covers more than 120 kilometres on the water each week, complemented by gym sessions and trail running and any other physical challenges that arise to build endurance, strength, and precision.
His next major goal is representing Aotearoa at the World Sprint Championships in Singapore 2026 - a dream that drives his commitment and daily routine.
Commitment to Nelson youth development
Beyond his own racing ambitions, Callum is deeply passionate about youth development and cultural connection.
As president and coach with the Motueka Waka Ama Club Callum supports the rangatahi padders. Through this mentoring role he helps young paddlers grow confidence both on and off the water.
His work as an outdoor instructor, teacher and Māori tourism tutor also reflects his dedication to creating opportunities for people to experience the taiao (natural world) through the values of te ao Māori.
What does Callum paddle?
Callum currently trains and competes in a Fai Va’a 4si rudderless canoe, kindly backed by Nelson-based maritime lawyers Dawson and Associates.
The Fai Va’a 4si was chosen for its responsiveness, balance, and connection to traditional Tahitian design. It allows him to train with precision and flow - essential qualities for the level of racing he’s preparing for on the world stage.
Callum’s Mantra for Aspiring Paddlers
“Consistency beats intensity. The more time you spend on the water, the deeper your connection to the waka - and to yourself - becomes. Surround yourself with good people, stay humble, and always remember to find enjoyment while paddling.”
Why Callum does it
“Because for me, waka ama isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life that weaves together wellbeing, culture, and community. It’s where physical endurance meets spiritual connection. It’s where the rhythm of your stroke your breath and heartbeat are all in harmony. I train hard, race hard, but I also breathe in the moment, enjoy the spray of the sea, the sunrise, and remember to nurture my mental health by pausing to soak in the environment, exhale after a good run and enjoy myself. Every session is another step in the journey, not just to a medal, but to becoming the best version of myself — for me, for my whānau, and for my community.”
Youth With a Mission (YWAM)
YWAM Ships aotearoa ltd
YWAM Ships Aotearoa exists to empower a healthy future for the Pacific. The main way that they deliver on this aspirational mission is through the deployment of our their 48m vessel, MV YWAM Koha. This ship was gifted to the organisation back in March 2019 and has now become a gift to the over 16,000 people who have received free health and healing services. Dawson & Associates assisted YWAM Ships Aotearoa in the initial receiving of the gift of the vessel and the subsequent operation.
ywam medical ships australia
Dawson & Associates are key external advisors to YWAM Medical Ships – Australia and PNG. YWAM Medical Ships is a Christian charity that addresses health care and training needs in Papua New Guinea in partnership with the relevant national and provincial government administrations. We have assisted in the structuring of their vessel operations, advice on flagging and operations and much more.
ywam ships kona
YWAM Ships Kona operate the vessel MV YWAM Liberty (formerly L’Astrolabe) which currently operates in Papua New Guinea, addressing health concerns. YWAM Ships Kona also run a crew training facility on Kona, Hawaii. We have assisted YWAM Kona in the operation of a previous vessel, as well as in the acquisition of the icebreaker Liberty and the structuring of the vessel operations.