IronMāori: Sense of belonging keeps kuia coming back
Grandmother Whetumarama Mita and her partner Tim Marshall have taken part in 21 IronMāori events between them. The welcoming community and a desire to set an example for whānau is what keeps them returning to the ACC-supported multi-sport event.
For Whetumarama Mita and Tim Marshall, competing in IronMāori isn’t just a sporting event – it’s a way of life for their whānau.
Whetumarama has competed in 13 events in Napier since it began 15 years ago while partner Tim has done eight events in that time.
For the Gisborne whānau, there’s no event quite like IronMāori.
“It’s special every year,” says Whetumarama, 59.
“I love the atmosphere, and the people make it awesome – it’s a great time for whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships) and manaakitanga (hospitality).
“I’ve made some great friends through IronMāori, and it’s always cool to come back and catch up with old mates and talk about how the event has grown over the years.”
From 300 participants in the inaugural event, IronMāori has become the largest half and quarter triathlon-style event in New Zealand, with around 3,000 athletes competing in 2023.
“It’s been great seeing the event develop but it’s always kept that sense of community,” says Tim, 57.
“You go to other events around the country and they feel a bit formal. Whereas here, you’re all in together, everybody supports everybody. It’s a whole mixture of all shapes and sizes and that whānau culture of looking out for each other gets you through.”
‘Crossing the finish line is incredible’
Whetumarama, an office manager and sports coordinator at a local primary school, is lining up for her 14th IronMāori.
This time around, Tim’s taking one for the team and looking after the mokopuna (grandkids) so his daughter and son-in-law can compete.
Whetumarama’s taking part in the IronMāori Quarter which includes a 1km swim, 50km cycle and 10.5km run. She hopes to finish in just under four hours.
The kuia (grandmother) has recently returned from the Va’a Club Sprints World Championships in Hawaii.
She trains all year round so she can compete in IronMāori, the Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals and next year’s Waka Ama Sprint Nationals at Lake Karapiro in January.
“We’re quite lucky in Gisborne, a lot of the facilities are accessible and that makes getting into training easy.”
She says it’s an incredible feeling to cross the finish line and complete the race for another year.
“I love that moment,” she says.
“It’s just a huge sense of accomplishment and it means more in this event because there’s a sense of belonging that goes with it.”
Setting an example for youth
Both Whetumarama and Tim believe it’s important to set an example for their mokopuna and rangatahi in their whānau and community.
“We want to show anything is possible if you keep applying yourself,” says Tim, who runs a men’s support centre in Gisborne.
“It’s about getting people off the couch and out doing exercise, so they can enjoy the benefits of healthy living,” he adds.
“It’s amazing to see some of the people and their commitment to achieving this goal of doing IronMāori. There are many inspirational stories, and I’m sure some people see them and think, ‘If they can do it, then why can’t I?’”
Part of that in recent times has been the adversity the East Coast has faced. Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region in early 2023 and there are many parts still recovering.
“I think the key word is resilience,” Whetumarama says.
“The damage from the cyclone tested the people of the East Coast but we’re bouncing back. This event is important to our region as it gives us hope and something to work towards.
“For me, competing in IronMāori shows you can still achieve when you’re facing adversity.”
ACC plays key supporting role
Whetumarama has overcome plenty of issues and injuries herself to keep competing. She says ACC has helped her recover from a broken collarbone and a broken ankle.
The success of IronMāori has seen thousands of participants pouring into Hawke’s Bay to take part in one, two or all three legs of the triathlon.
ACC has supported IronMāori for the past six years.
With the organisation driven by its strategy of Huakina Te Rā, ACC Deputy Chief Executive for Strategy, Engagement and Prevention Andy Milne says it’s a natural fit.
Huakina Te Rā is our 10-year strategy. It incorporates our vision, tōnui ake nei, a future where all people, whānau and communities can thrive.
“We believe in the kaupapa of IronMāori and we want to support whānau to live well,” Andy says.
ACC research shows Māori are more likely to experience a serious injury than non-Māori but are less likely to make an injury claim.
Māori clients generally account for 12.5 per cent of new claims volumes annually but account for 16.7 per cent of the population.
Andy says we’re focused on ensuring Māori are aware of the support they’re entitled to following an injury.
“If you’ve had an accident and have an injury, no matter how big, don’t tough it out – taihoa ake and get help. ACC is here for you and your whānau to help you recover and get you back doing what you love.”
For Whetumarama and Tim, who says he’ll be back for another go, there are no plans to retire from IronMāori any time soon.
“We love this event. It’s a special one for our whānau, and we’ll keep doing it for as long as we’re able,” Whetumarama says.
IronMāori 2024 Events
- IronMāori Tamariki and Rangatahi: Friday 1 November
- IronMāori Kaumatua: Friday 1 November
- IronMāori Quarter and Half: Saturday 2 November
- IronMāori Tamaki: Saturday 16 November
For more information, please visit the IronMāori website.
