Perfect conditions greeted the competitors which catered for a swim or kayak option, along with the bike and run legs in open, veteran, team and under-20 categories.
During Auckland's "Stroke and Stride", Warriner was beaten by 20 seconds by fellow Northlander, and four-time series winner, Simone Ackermann.
Warriner sits third overall in the "Stroke and Stride"series, 48 points shy of first place. With only two races remaining in the series, it is impossible for her to win the event but nevertheless her journey back into competitive racing has begun. Full results from the Mangawhai Triathlon will be in tomorrow's Northern Advocate.
Triathletes young and old have the opportunity to compete in two further Northland triathlons this season, with the Ray White Allens Kids Tri in Whangarei on March 17 and the AvantiPlus Kumara Triathlon at Kai Iwi Lakes on April 6. More information is available at www.northlandtri.co.nz.