Patea school teacher off to waka ama worlds

Waka ama racing in Tahiti. Photo/ sourced

Twenty-seven kilometres is the distance a Patea school teacher will race at the first ever long distance waka ama worlds in Tahiti next month.

Mahaki Akauola started teaching at Patea Area School at the beginning of this year after graduating from teachers college in Palmerston North - and already he has impressed his students with his talent.

Introducing waka ama as a school sport after worlds is the promise he has made his students.

"The school has been so supportive and the kids have shown a huge interest. They definitely let me know when I've not eaten enough or I'm looking chubbier," he said.

Mr Akauola has previously represented New Zealand in the biannual sprint race waka ama worlds, in Canada and Brazil, but this time he is racing for Tonga.

"My dad is Tongan and in the past I haven't had much of a chance to represent his heritage so I saw this as a good opportunity," he said.

Mahaki Akauola will replace the playground with the waka ama worlds next month. Photo/ Emma Russell

The 23 year old said it was his younger sister that got him involved in the sport.

"It's always been a friendly sibling rivalry buzz. She is entered in the women's Tongan team so it will be a bit of a family affair."

He is one of a team of six who will compete in three long distance races. The main event is 27km but he will also race a 18km and 9km race.

"It is a long way and a huge difference from sprint racing. You really have to pace yourself because there's no resting.

"It really is the best atmosphere. They'll be up to 40 boats and everyone starts in one line, you need to get out in front first because it's always harder to chase than it is to lead. Get out first and hold our place that's our plan," Mr Akauola said.

With majority of the team in Auckland, Mr Akauola said he has been training in a single out of Patea river. This weekend he is competing at the Whaingaroa Hoe racing event in Raglan as part of his training.