With the support of a grant from Toitu Ngāti Porou, I was able to compete in my recent bodybuilding competition, an event that brings together athletes from across the motu to showcase strength, discipline and dedication to the sport. The grant helped cover essential costs such as travel, registration fees, nutrition, and competition prep all of which were crucial for me to step on stage in peak condition.
I have been competing and training in bodybuilding for the past three years, and this event marked an important milestone in my haerenga as an athlete. Preparing for the competition required months of strict training, nutrition planning, and mental focus. Being able to stand on stage and represent myself, my whānau and my iwi, Ngāti Porou, was a proud moment made possible through the tautoko I received.
This kaupapa pushed me both physically and mentally. The level of discipline needed from early morning cardio to structured weight training, posing practice and maintaining my overall hauora strengthened not only my body but also my hinengaro and wairua. Hauora is a huge passion of mine, and through this journey I hope to be a positive role model for our rangatahi, showing them that with hard work and belief in yourself, you can chase any dream even ones that feel far from the Coast.
At the competition, I placed first in my division and second overall, narrowly missing out on the overall title. Even though I just missed taking out the top spot, the experience fired me up even more and showed me exactly where I need to improve for the next stage of my journey.
A big part of my path is my dream of becoming the firstNZIFBB professional bodybuilder from the East Coast. Every competition, every training session and every challenge brings me one step closer to that goal.The support from Toitu Ngāti Porou allowed me to pursue that dream without the added pressure of financial barriers something I’m extremely grateful for.
I’m honoured to represent Ngāti Porou and to show what can be achieved with the right support, hard work and dedication. This experience has motivated me to keep pushing, improving and striving toward even greater heights within the sport not just for myself, but for our whānau, our hapū and our iwi.
-Taine Aupouri
