Super nan achieves IronMāori goal
Into her sixth decade, grandmother of 11 Amanda Hita is showing no signs of slowing down. She’s just completed the ACC-supported IronMāori and has another challenging multi-sport event in her sights.
Inspirational kuia Amanda Hita took a few seconds to savour the moment.
As the 52-year-old from Hawke’s Bay was joined by three of her mokopuna in the finishing chute of IronMāori, tears streamed down her face.
After seven hours and 18 minutes battling the elements on a challenging day for a triathlon, her amazing effort to complete her third IronMāori event was over.
“It was an incredible feeling to reach that finish line,” says Amanda, who works as a team manager for the organiser of IronMāori, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.
“I think I was more emotional this time, because I’d put so much more training into getting a better time. So when I hit that finish chute with my mokopuna, it all hit me.”
Amanda (Ngāti Whatua) is a mother of four adult children who have blessed her with 11 mokopuna, with another on the way. It’s important to her to keep achieving and setting an example for her whānau.
“I love getting the medal at the end because I’m collecting them as a legacy for my whānau,” she says.
“For generations to come, they’re going to see these medals and awards and know what their nanny did. That’s pretty cool.”
Amanda completed the IronMāori half – consisting of a 2km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run – 22 minutes faster than last year and was happy to achieve her goal.
“Every time you finish an event like this, it’s an achievement to be proud of,” she says.
“The wind was really brutal and I had to overcome all the thoughts that go through your head that you might not make it.”
Amanda Hita, centre, waiting for the swim leg of IronMāori to start.
Overcoming exhaustion to get across the line
Amanda was not in good shape when she got off her bike. She was so exhausted she became disorientated.
“I couldn't organise myself,” she says.
“I was lucky to have one of my friends [Christine O’Brien], who has done many Ironman events, to help me. I didn't even know what to put on my feet and she was like, ‘Your shoes’,” Amanda says with a laugh.
“So my body was almost done but I picked up in transition and then I was off again.”
Amanda is using IronMāori, and the upcoming Auckland-based IronMāori Tamaki on 16 November, to get ready for her ultimate goal of completing Ironman in Taupō in March.
She has unfinished business in the event after not finishing last year.
Pāpā proves an inspiration
Amanda wants to be like her pāpā, Ben Hita, who is still fit, healthy and independent at 82.
“My dad is my inspiration and my idol, and I want to be doing these things for many years to come to show you can keep achieving as you get older,” she says.
Amanda credits training partner Lisa Chittick for keeping her on track with her build-up.
They’ve increased their sessions and are completing more than 100km of cycling, running four-to-five times a week, and swimming twice a week in the pool and once in the ocean.
“Having a training partner is paramount, as it keeps you accountable,” she says.
Rongoā practitioners offer healing hands
More than 2,500 athletes competed across all the events at IronMāori over two days in Napier.
Throughout the event, sponsor ACC had several rongoā Māori practitioners providing free mirimiri and romiromi services to athletes and their whānau.
Amanda says it was an invaluable offering.
“That rongoā service is absolutely the best you can have at the end of any event like this,” she says.
“They were there from first thing on Friday morning to late on Saturday afternoon and people were lining up for a treatment. It’s so important, so a huge thank you to ACC for their support.”
Amanda Hita, left, with training partner and friend Lisa Chittick after IronMāori.
ACC on hand to provide support
As well as supplying rongoā Māori practitioners, ACC provided the Whānau Zone, which offered a shady place to chill, fresh fruit and activities for tamariki.
Andy Milne, our Deputy Chief Executive of Strategy, Engagement and Prevention, joined other ACC representatives on site in Napier.
With ACC driven by our strategy of Huakina Te Rā, Andy says supporting IronMāori is 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.
“This is important mahi that brings our Huakina Te Rā strategy to life,” Andy says.
“We want to support whānau to live well and popular community events like IronMāori provide our team with the chance to kōrero and connect with whānau about our services, like rongoā Māori.
“These are great opportunities to raise awareness and build understanding around the help available through ACC and our services that improve access and health outcomes for Māori.”
Our 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.
“We’re focused on ensuring Māori are aware of the support they’re entitled to following an injury,” Andy says.
“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.”
The Auckland-based IronMāori event will be held in Tāmaki Makaurau on 16 November while the 2025 IronMāori will take place in Napier on 31 October and 1 November.
