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Regional | Iwi

National Surfing Highlights: Four runner-up finishes for Kereopa

Highlights from this year's Billabong National Surfing Championships this weekend.

Hot favourite from Arataki Kea Smith lead most of the morning, but a final score of 12.1 meant that Elin Tawharu of Mount Maunganui took out top honours with a score 14.8.

Tawharu and Smith also progressed to the under-18 final, along with Raiha Ensor of Tauranga and Billie Scott of Whangarei.

Again Tawharu dominated with a score 12.7 to take the mantle with Kea place second with a 12.1 and Zhana Hutchison of Taranaki placed third with a 6.23.

Tainui surfer Daniel Kereopa claimed four runner-up finishes. The Veteran surfer contested in the most heats of any surfer on the final day in Dunedin.

Kereopa also finished runner up in the Longboard Division to Zen Wallis from Piha, Stand Up Paddleboard to three time champion Shayne Baxter of Christchurch.

In the open men’s division Whaingaroa's Billy Stairmand claimed his third straight national title while Ella Williams surfed her way to her first title in the Open Women's Division.