Driving weightlifting in Tairawhiti

GIRLPOWER: Tania Rauna on her way to winning the women's division of the Turanga Strong AF weightlifting competition. Pictures by Paul Rickard

An uplifting experience at Metcon Mauri gym is helping drive a resurgence in weightlifting in Tairawhiti.

The Turanga Strong AF competition attracted nearly 30 lifters — including a few from out of town — to the Palmerston Road gym on Saturday.

Organised by Kasey Brown and her team of volunteers, the competition featured three styles of lift — back squat, bench press and ground to overhead.

Tania Rauna won the women's division, with Katarina Puketapu second and Kodi Campbell third.

The men's title went to Otara Peri from Aaron Chan and Rio Hagai.

“Player of the platform” awards went to Roby Devlyn, Winsome Kennedy and Paora Downes.

A strongman and woman workout was also held.

“It was about getting people participating and giving it a go,” Metcon Mauri director and trainer Di Akurangi said.

“It was awesome, a really good day,” said Akurangi, who acknowledged the competitors, sponsors and organisers.

Wairarapa visitor Katey Reynish was full of praise for the event, posting her gratitude on the Metcon Mauri Facebook page and saying she was “definitely keen to return next year”.

Akurangi said it had been a long time since a weightlifting contest of this kind had been held in Tairawhiti and they were keen to organise more, and get a dedicated club up and running.

Metcon Mauri is looking excitedly to its next major event — a weightlifting clinic run by New Zealand recordholder and Birmingham Commonwealth Games athlete Megan Signal on Sunday, June 19.