One hundred kaumātua proved today that age is nothing but a number as they took part in this year's Kaumātua Iron Māori at Pandora Pond in Napier, triathlon event designed to encourage all fitness levels to get out there and get active.
Competitor Waiora Rogers says, “Wonderful, absolutely wonderful, nobody rocks it like kaumatua.
Another competitor, Hazel Paul-Utiera says, “Anyone can do it, I'm 70, yeah.”
At 90 years young, Keita Hakiwai is the oldest participant today and has done this competition every year for the last five years.
Keita Kahurere Hakiwai says, “I think it's wonderful to get out and see people and to try and do something.”
The event is for anyone aged 55-years and up, and crossing the finish line is a big achievement for many.
There are many inspirational stories of age being no barrier to overcoming adversity and getting active.
“I usually get around with a walking stick but the physio and doctors suggested that crutches were a bit more stable support,” says Pat Dewes.
Richard Allen says, “It's a lifestyle choice you know, and if you've got all the physicality’s that allow you to do it, you choose whether to sort of fade out or not so I choose not to.”
Participants in the event today either walked, swam, biked or ran, or all of the above, all in the name of healthy living.