IronMaori Taupo-Nui-a-Tia interest 'huge'

Competitors at IronMaori Hawkes Bay. PHOTO/FILE

Taupo's new IronMaori event is attracting huge interest, with almost 300 people already registered for the inaugural IronMaori Taupo-Nui-a-Tia.

Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board chief executive Topia Rameka said the interest had been impressive - with much of it coming from Rotorua and Taupo.

Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board is sponsoring the new IronMaori event in March.

Tuwharetoa descendants will get discounted registration fees as an added incentive.

Mr Rameka said although most new events only got between 300 and 400 participants, IronMaori Taupo-Nui-a-Tia was almost at 300 already, and registrations had been open for less than a month.

"We expect between 500 and 700 participants."

He said there had been huge interest on social media and the registrations so far reflected that.

"We are very pleased with the interest. Most are from Taupo and Rotorua, there's been a lot of interest from Rotorua."

Mr Rameka believed that was not just because of Taupo's central location, but because it was seen as a mecca for events like this.

His message for those still wanting to take part was to register early.

"There is huge interest already. We wouldn't want people to miss out."

He said by offering a 50 per cent subsidy for Tuwharetoa descendants, he hoped more people would be encouraged to participate.

It meant entry was much more affordable compared to other similar events, he said.

"This is all about healthy lifestyle for whanau and communities.

"We are really looking forward to hosting all of the visitors to Taupo for this unique inaugural event."

IronMaori will be held in five locations around New Zealand in 2017, including Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, Auckland, Wairarapa and now Taupo.

IronMaori Taupo-Nui-a-Tia details
- Tamariki (children) event, team of two or individual, swim 100m, run 1km
- Rangatahi (youth) event, team of three or individual, swim 500m, bike 10km, then run 2km
- Adults' event, team of three or individual, swim 600m, bike 20km, run 5km
- IronMaori Taupo - Nui-a-Tia events are open for registration by individuals and teams of two for the tamariki event and three for rangatahi and adult events.
- Costs to enter are at IronMaori's website, www.ironmaori.com.