From the 2013 Ironman, where he didn't finish in the time allocated, yet still completed it, to this year where he has participated in numerous events already, Mr Makea has gained knowledge and experience he wouldn't otherwise have picked up.
"I'm going to do it, because I can. That's the attitude I have to have otherwise I will become a couch potato again."
His exercise regime keeps him motivated, despite severe pain in his knees.
"During the winter season, I'm at the gym and at the pools, swimming. In the summer, I swim at Pandora Pond and cycle, either with my brother, wife or by myself."
The enthusiastic sportsman is looking at completing this years event in under 9 hours, but would be over the moon with anything better. In the day leading up to the big event, he was planning to go for a short run, bike and swim to keep the momentum going.
As for advice for people in a similar situation to what he was in, Mr Makea said they need to start doing something.
"You need to get off your butt and so something, do anything. When you start, you need to pick yourself up, even when you are in a rut."
Meanwhile Te Ururoa Flavell, the Maori Development Minister and Maori Party co-leader, will also be taking part in the event for the fourth time.
"It is an inspirational Maori event which encourages everyone, particularly our people to give it a go," he said.
"It doesn't matter about a person's age or level of fitness it is about participation.I love it. I enjoy the whanau atmosphere of IronMaori. It is Whanau Ora in action."
Half Ironman
What: 2km swim, 90km cycle, 21.1km run.
When: Today, starting at 6:15am (the half is always the first Saturday in December).
Where: Pandora Pond, Napier.
