Surfing: Maori team contest cup for first time

Mount Maunganui surfer and under-16 and under-18 New Zealand girls' champion Kea Smith is part of the Aotearoa Maori team competing in the Melanesian Cup in New Caledonia. Photo / Supplied

A 22-strong Aotearoa Maori surfing team will compete in the Melanesian Cup in New Caledonia for the first time today with Mount Maunganui surfers to the fore.

Current under-18 and under-16 girls national champion Kea Smith (Ngati Ranginui) leads the team in both the open women's and under-18 girls' divisions.

Her father Pete will compete in the open men's division and longboard and cousin Jamee in the bodyboard division.

Also in the team are Western Bay of Plenty surfers Ihaia Ngata (Ngai Te Rangi) who is in the under-18 boys' division, Quin Matenga (Tainui) in the open men's division and current New Zealand junior surfing team member Kaya Horne (Ngati Awa).

The Aotearoa Maori surfing team is competing in the contest for the first time since the event's inception in 2010.

The contest plays host to Pacific nations such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, New Caledonia and Tonga with 60 competitors expected at this year's event.

The team also includes the likes of ex- New Zealand champion Chris Malone (Te Aitanga a Mahaki).

The surfing disciplines are being held on the outer reefs of Bourail, which is located two hours north of the capital Noumea.

The stand up paddleboard races are being held closer to the mainland at Bourail.

Vanuatu is the Melanesian Surfing Cup defending champion after winning the 2014 event which was hosted by Samoa.

The competition wraps up on Sunday.