In a remarkable display of community spirit, Ahipara School, alongside local organisations, hosted an unforgettable Weetbix Tryathlon recently.  This ignited a renewed relationship between the school and the local community environment, with a well-planned and shared commitment to reconnecting Ahipara School with the Ahipara community after the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic by all involved.

A teacher, whilst reflecting and planning on how “We had to lock them out of the school gates during Covid, how do we get them back in the gate” created this opportunity to re-establish the important relationship with the school, tamariki and teachers, community residents and local resources. Ahipara School, alongside Sport Northland and Sanitarium, organised the event.

The day started with excited students lacing up their running shoes, preparing for a thrilling run to the nearby park. Accompanied by the cheerful support of their parents, grandparents, and a vibrant crowd of Ahipara residents, the young participants set off on a path to give it a go and try their best, running a total of 2.4kms.

Continuing their journey, the students hopped on their scooters or bikes, eagerly racing around the local pump track doing as many laps as they possibly could. It was great to see some students giving it a go that were not very confident, smiling the entire time.

The Weetbix Tryathlon reached its crescendo with a rave like danceathon, where students showcased their moves and grooves, exhibiting a tremendous display of talent and passion. 

This event was not possible without the support and collaboration of various community locals. The Ahipara Fire Brigade, Te Hiku Hauora, Ahipara Boardriders Club, Kaitaia Police, Sport Northland, T8 Traffic Control, PPTA, and Ahipara Aroha-Digi Sign who all had a part to play, to ensure the day's success. Their presence and active involvement created an atmosphere of togetherness, inspiring the participants and reinforcing the bonds within the community. 

The highlight of the Weetbix Tryathlon was undoubtedly the overwhelming excitement and unity exhibited by the Ahipara community. Honking car horns, cheers, high fives and shouts of encouragement filled the air as whānau, friends, and neighbours gathered to support the young athletes. A Firefighter and parent from the Ahipara Fire Brigade joined in and ran with the tamariki in full uniform, also adding to the event by sounding their sirens, eliciting smiles, laughter, and a renewed sense of pride from the tamariki. The school received amazing feedback following the day, one student expressed their enjoyment for the event saying, "It was so much fun, wish we could do that every day." A parent also shares “so happy to see the students out and about and the elderly watching from their driveways, but best of all the teachers saying how much fun they had and the students as well”. 

The Weetbix Tryathlon will be remembered as a significant event in the schools’ journey to reconnect with its community. It serves as a shining example of how collaboration, inclusivity, and shared experiences can foster a sense of belonging and unity. Ahipara School and its partners have rekindled the spirit of togetherness, reminding us all, of the power of community and intend on sustaining this in the future with more plans ahead.  

Check out this awesome video here that captures the sheer enjoyment.