Principal lays down triathlon challenge

Napier Boys' High school principal Matthew Bertram (left) and Taradale High School principal Stephen Hensman (right) have taken up the challenge set by Tamatea High school principal Robin Fabish. They have begun getting their support crews together, which will include Matt Durrant of Taradale High (back, left), David Rawnsley of Napier Boys' High, Tihema Douglas and Lizzy Brock of Tamatea High and Carmel Gardner of Taradale High. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay principals are being challenged by one of their own to compete in the upcoming Tremains Triathlon.

Tamatea High School principal Robin Fabish said the rules were simple, with a principal, teacher, and prefect from each school competing as a team.

His challenge has already been taken up by Taradale High School principal Stephen Hensman, and Napier Boys' High School principal Matthew Bertram. They have already roped in their top teacher-prefect combinations in the hope their school will come out on top.

Mr Fabish said he thought a bit of friendly competition was a great way to build the relationships and collegiality amongst Hawke's Bay principals and welcomed any other local principals to join in the challenge.

"I am new to Tamatea High School and Matt is new to Napier Boys' so participating in an event like the Tremains Triathlon is a great way for us to be competitive between schools but also have some fun and build our relationships along the way."

Mr Hensman is tackling the run leg of the triathlon, and has done a couple of 5km runs in preparation for the triathlon, with plans to squeeze a few more in before next Sunday's event to gain the winning edge.

Mr Bertram will be undertaking the swim leg of the triathlon for his team.

Both principals agreed team Tamatea could be the underdogs on the day with Mr Fabish completing the swimming leg for his team. He completed the Lake Taupo Across the Lake Swim last weekend and participated in the Iron Maori.

For this year's Tremains Triathlon there is a Kiwibank High School Challenge section where Kiwibank are sponsoring one team from each Hawke's Bay high school to take part in the triathlon.

Kiwibank regional manager Mairin Gallagher said this was a great chance to get high school students out of their comfort zone and involved in a fun and active event.