It is not only the Kiwi flag that will be flying when Whanganui hosts the David Jones Suzuki NZ Schools Triathlon Championships in just under a fortnight.
As well as hundreds of secondary school children from around the country, there will be a team of seven sent over by the Tahiti Triathlon Federation to gain international racing experience.
"We will arrive in New Zealand on March 23 where we will spend five days in Taupo for a final training camp before heading to Whanganui," said Bernard Costa, the federation's vice president.
"The team has been training hard and are very excited to race at the event. This is the first time our athletes will compete in a Triathlon event outside of our island."
The national event will be held on March 30-31 and will bring an influx to the town of not only the athletes but also their families and supporters.