Hariata to Tu'aro Maohi

I am fortunate enough to be a part of the New Zealand Maori team travelling to Tu'aro Maohi (traditional games) in Tahiti. The competition in July 14-17 is a part of the annual Heiva festival, a celebration of Polynesian culture.

I am training to be competitive specifically for the Maiho'a ra'au. Although each part of the event brings specific challenges, I have found the short 16 week introduction and build up to the competition a dynamic journey.

It may be surprising but this event is still seen as an every day task throughout the Pacific, a method for transporting produce. The rationale behind this event was to demonstrate an individual's ability to provide for their people.

Training for an event like this requires strength beyond physical capacity. Training outdoors in the New Zealand autumn/winter for an event in the tropics, battered shoulders from the homemade bamboo and gait adaptations from the barefoot running are not your regular DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness) . An a wairua (spiritual) and a hinengaro (mental) fortitude is fostered through this new sporting endeavour. This is actually the draw factor to Tu'aro Maohi as an event, as opposed to mainstream sporting competitions.

There is a motivator required for this event that goes beyond what you think you can do, or what you want to achieve. It is about whakapapa, acknowledging where you came from and what your ancestors did to ensure your bloodline survived. With that sentiment in mind I am engaging to acknowledge the potential instilled in my genetics.

I will be representing my work place Toi Tangata, the national Maori health provider in physical activity and nutrition. Check out the Toi Tangata Facebook page for training updates and to keep up with my journey.