Fifteen years after the launch of IronMāori, the annual indigenous triathlon has returned to the place where the idea was conceived, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.

Heather Te Au-Skipworth and Wayne Skipworth founded the only indigenous multisport event in Aotearoa in 2009 with the vision of promoting health, wellbeing and longevity from mokopuna through to kaumātua.

Te Au-Skipworth came up with the idea of IronMāori while she was working at Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga as a health coach. Now her dream is a reality.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga - a family-focused organisation working with whānau to achieve their goals and general wellbeing - have now taken up the wero (challenge) to progress the event alongside more than 80 whānau services currently delivered that align with the same vision.

Mike Paku, the chairman of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, says they are proud to continue the legacy.

“Over the years we have all watched as IronMāori has gone from strength to strength,” he says.

“It has taken individuals, whānau, hapū and iwi along for the ride, even across Te Tai-o-Rehua (Tasman Sea), so we are happy to keep it here in its ūkaipō, Kahungunu.”

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

ACC has supported IronMāori for the past six years. With the organisation driven by its strategy of Huakina Te Rā, ACC deputy chief executive for strategy, engagement and prevention Andy Milne says it’s a natural fit.

Milne says the government agency is focused on ensuring Māori are aware of the support they’re entitled to following an injury.

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

“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.”

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

“It started as a simple approach to remedy significant health problems among Māori, using whanaungatanga and manaakitanga as the catalyst to drive that change,” says Skipworth.

“It has been an honour to walk alongside so many people who have taken up the challenge, through this journey of self-discovery. Succession of this beautiful kaupapa for me was key, as I want the kaupapa to outlive my lifetime and many generations to come.”

For IronMāori stalwart, Waiora Rogers, the event has always been about whanaungatanga (building relationships).

“Coming together to work towards that goal of healthy mind and healthy body, you just put one foot in front of the other, then the next week you walk a little farther, then the next month you start thinking about the kai that you fuel your body with and on it goes.”

Waylyn Tahuri-Whaipakanga, the chief executive of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, is thrilled that IronMāori has returned home.

“I am excited for the opportunity to bring this event home as it fits our strategic plan, our values and the Whānau Ora kaupapa. We could really feel the mauri of the event carried by participants, support crews and organisers alike.”

Tahuri-Whaipakanga (Ngāti Kahungunu, Tamaterangi and Ngai Tūhoe, Tamakaimoana) says it’s an important date on the Hawke’s Bay calendar.

She has cycled in over 10 events, the most recent being last year’s event as part of Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga workplace wellness programme.

“The celebration of participation and achievement throughout the day is uplifting and electric, you never feel alone, you feel supported all the way through and this is something that we look to uphold.”

As IronMāori returns home, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga has invited Ngā Marae o Heretaunga to celebrate the occasion by offering free registrations for 10 kaumātua, 10 tamariki/rangatahi and one team to enter the event from each marae.

IronMāori 2024 – events

- IronMāori Tamariki and Rangatahi: Friday, November 1

- IronMāori Kaumatua: Friday, November 1

- IronMāori Quarter and Half - Saturday, November 2

- IronMāori Tamaki: Saturday, 1 November 16