Powerlifting: Northlander Joseph Whittaker breaks NZ records

Joseph Whittaker breaking a national record with a deadlift of 350kg. He also set the squat and overall total records. Photo / Supplied

Northland powerlifter Joseph Whittaker has set New Zealand records in an incredible feat of strength.

Competing in the NZ Record Breakers at the Fitness Expo in Auckland, Whittaker quickly set about putting in a good showing.

Whittaker said he had a top day and his process when lifting helps.

"To say I had a good day would be an understatement, Going eight for eight on successful lifts and all personal bests lifts is great," he said.

"I got to make a little bit of history setting the biggest total ever by a New Zealander.

"I have my process. If I run my process I will hit the weight. If I don't hit it, it's either a technical thing or I wasn't strong enough on the day.

"It never changes. I'm very blank when I lift. I don't see or hear the crowd."

He started with the squat where he was looking to break his own NZ record of 375kg.

After completing his first two lifts with relative comfort, Whittaker looked to go past his old mark and did so by nailing a 383kg lift.

It wasn't just on the squat rack that Whittaker was setting marks in.

He surpassed his personal best bench press in his second lift, setting a new level at 232.5kg.

He passed up lifting a third bench and instead focused on breaking another New Zealand record in the deadlift.

Whittaker nailed his first two lifts and his attempt at the national record would require him to go 17.5kg heavier than his previous best.

Instead of buckling, Whittaker lifted 350kg to set the new national mark, much to the excitement of him and those watching.

Two national records wasn't enough for Whittaker as his combined three weights of 965.5kg was the biggest total ever by a New Zealander.