IronMāori a special event for Gisborne couple – 14th for Whetumarama “Mitch” Mita

From 300 participants in the inaugural IronMāori event, it has become the largest half- and quarter-triathlon-style event in Aotearoa with around 3000 athletes competing in 2023. Photo / IronMāori

Competing in IronMāori is not just a sporting event, it’s a way of life for Gisborne couple Tim Marshall and Whetumarama “Mitch” Mita.

Mita has competed in 13 events in Napier since it began 15 years ago, while Marshall has done eight events in that time.

For the pair, there is no event quite like it.

“It’s special every year,” says Mita, 59. “I love the atmosphere of this event. The people make it awesome. It’s a great time for whakawhanaungatanga [building relationships] and manaakitanga [hospitality].

“I have made some great friends through IronMāori, and it’s always cool to come back and catch up with old mates and talk about how the event has grown over the years.”

From 300 participants in the inaugural event, it has become the largest half- and quarter-triathlon-style event in Aotearoa, with around 3000 athletes competing in 2023.

“It has been great seeing the event develop but what it has always kept is that sense of community,” says Marshall, 57.

“You go to other events around the country and they feel a bit formal. Whereas here, you are all in together; everybody supports everybody. It’s a whole mixture of all shapes and sizes and that whānau culture of looking out for each other gets you through.”

Mita, a primary school office manager and sports co-ordinator, is lining up for her 14th IronMāori.

This time around, Marshall is taking one for the team and looking after the mokopuna so his daughter and son-in-law can compete.

Mita is taking part in the quarter distance, which comprises a one-kilometre swim, 50km cycle and 10.5km run. She hopes to finish in just under four hours.

The kuia, having recently returned from the IVF Va’a Club Sprints World Championships in Hawaii, trains all year round so she can compete in IronMāori, the Waka Ama Long Distance Nationals and January’s Waka Ama Sprint Nationals at Lake Karāpiro.

“We’re quite lucky in Gisborne. A lot of the facilities are accessible and that makes getting into training easy.”

Mita says it’s an incredible feeling when she crosses the finish line and completes the race for another year.

“I love that moment. It’s just a huge sense of accomplishment and it means more in this event because there is a sense of belonging that goes with this event.”

Gisborne couple Tim Marshall and Whetumarama Mita have a special connection with the IronMaori event. Mita has done it 13 times and Marshall eight.

The couple says it is important to set an example for their mokopuna (grandchildren) and rangatahi (youth) in their whānau and community.

“We want to show that anything is possible if you keep applying yourself,” says Marshall, who is a trustee with Te Hōkai Tautoko Tāne/Male Survivors Tairāwhiti and the co-ordinator of Tauawhi Men’s Centre.

“It is about getting people off the couch and out doing exercise, so they can enjoy the benefits of healthy living. I mean, there’s some pretty big people out there on race day giving it their all.

“It’s amazing to see some of the people and the commitment to achieve this goal of doing IronMāori. There are many inspirational stories and I am sure some people see them and think ‘if they can do it, then why can’t I do it as well’?”

Part of that in recent times has been the adversity that Tairāwhiti has faced from the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, from which many areas are still recovering.

“I think the key word is resilience,” Mita says. “The damage from the cyclone tested the resilience of the people of the East Coast, but we are bouncing back.

“This event is important to our region as it gives us hope and something to work towards. For me, competing in IronMāori shows you can still achieve when you are facing adversity.”

Mita has overcome plenty of issues and injuries herself to keep competing. She says ACC has helped her recover from a broken collarbone and a broken ankle.

The success of IronMāori will see thousands of participants pour into Hawke’s Bay to take part in one, two or all three legs of the triathlon.

ACC has supported it for the past six years.

With the organisation driven by its strategy of Huakina Te Rā (to open the sail), ACC deputy chief executive for strategy, engagement and prevention Andy Milne says it’s a natural fit.

“We believe in the kaupapa of IronMāori and we want to support whānau to live well,” Milne 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.”

Mita and Marshall have no plans to retire from IronMāori any time soon.

“We love this event,” says Mita. “It’s a special one for our whānau, and we will keep doing it for as long as we are able to.”

IronMāori 2024

· IronMāori Tamariki and Rangatahi: Friday, November 1

· IronMāori Kaumatua: Friday, November 1

· IronMāori Quarter and Half: Saturday, November 2

· IronMāori Tamaki: Saturday, November 16

For more information visit www.ironmaori.co.nz.

- Story supplied by ACC