On 8 March, whānau and friends from Te Rāpaki o Te Rakiwhakaputa participated in the Rāpaki triathlon, which included a 1km swim, 10km bike ride and a 3km run.
Twelve teams competed in this triathalon with all teams successfully completing the course. Some individuals extended themselves by completing all three disciplines.
Whānau wellbeing and whakawhanaukataka was the kaupapa o te rā. Our whānau are often so busy and pre-occupied with rūnanga business that we neglect to enjoy each other’s company. Another reason for running this event is to provide some pathways for our rakatahi to reconnect with their marae via sports and whanaukataka. Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
Contributing time and effort into developing our rakatahi to be the leaders of tomorrow is imperative. Our new Whare Tipuna was built for them. It is our desire that this triathlon will become an annual event.
I wish to thank Te Poho o Tamatea Charitable Trust for funding this event and all participants and supporters for making it a memorable day. Individual awards went to Mutu Stone, Tauira Takurua and Waiariki Parata.
Nā Brett Lee.
Third placegetters, whānau Korako – James, Tutehounuku, Nicholas with Brett Lee.
First placegetters, whānau Dell-Hartgers – Sean, Jerry and Kirstan.
Second placegetters, Laura Watson, Teresa Butler and Keela Atkinson.