A new triathlon festival in New Zealand will launch into action later this year, with the aim of helping local communities move towards a healthier way of life. The TriMâori Festival includes a standard course triathlon, shorter run and walk events, as well as stalls, exhibitions and things to do for people of all backgrounds and age groups.
The Festival will be held at Lake Karâpiro on Saturday 27 October 2012.
Lake Karapiro is an artificial reservoir lake on the Waikato River in New Zealand’s North Island. It is around 30K (19 miles) south-east of the city of Hamilton. The lake is regarded as one of New Zealand’s best rowing venues, and hosted the 2010 World Rowing Championships.
The TriMâori Festival seeks to encourage M?ori and others to celebrate healthy living. The event is ‘all about reaching, connecting, inspiring and moving communities – especially in Waikato-Tainui – towards healthier individuals and healthier whânau [extended family].’
Race organisers Ariana and Tama Potaka explain that the concept was to create an event that equally involves triathletes and their friends, co-workers, spouses, children and parents. “The festival will give triathletes and their whânau supporters the opportunity to find out more about lifestyle changes – with businesses, seminars, health provision and good living options,” they said.
“The triathlon event is at the front end of the summer season here, and will help people build towards other events like the Karâpiro Half, IronMaori, the Contact Tri and TriWoman Series, and plenty of others.”
Initial sponsors and/or supporters include the following organisations: Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Incorporated (for the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust); Triathlon New Zealand (Tri NZ); Poutama Trust; IndigenousNZ Cuisine Cluster; and Aka & Associates Limited.
