Air Tahiti Nui Adds Kiwi Canoe King to its Ambassador Ranks

Champion New Zealand paddler Tupuria King has signed on as an Air Tahiti Nui ambassador as he prepares to take on the Polynesians at their own sport – outrigger canoe paddling.

After winning the Air Tahiti Nui-sponsored Aoteoroa Aito Rudderless Va’a race for the third time, the 22-year-old from Cable Bay, Northland, will head to Tahiti in July for his fourth Te Aito championship.

The event will pit hundreds of the world’s best outrigger canoe paddlers against each other as they race 28 kilometres around the main island of Tahiti.

Although he describes it as the most prestigious paddle race in the world, Tupuria, one of only a small group of Kiwis who participate, is hoping to finish strong and be invited to compete in the follow-up Super Aito event. Last year he made it through to the Super Aito event where he came tenth.

“I am so grateful for Air Tahiti Nui’s support during this exciting time in my career. Having them onboard means that I can get back to Tahiti if I qualify for the Super Aito event and attend more international races, which is where the highest standard of paddling is,” Tupuria said.

Tupuria comes from a family of champion paddlers and will be joined by sister Rose and dad David at the championships in Tahiti after they won their respective divisions in the NZ competition in March. Mum Nyree also took out her seniors event. 

Tupuria has been paddling since the age of seven and said the sport was in his blood, which might explain why he is one of the few New Zealand paddlers brave enough to take the Polynesians on.

“It’s difficult to beat them. Their level of paddling, especially over a long distance, is superior but it’s what motivates me to take it to the next level,” he said.

General Manager of Air Tahiti Nui New Zealand Alan Roman said the airline was proud to be partnering with such a talented athlete who was competing at the highest level of a gruelling individual sport.

“Va’a is a proud Tahitian tradition and as the international airline of Tahiti, we are thrilled to support Tupuria as he makes waves in the sport. We wish Tupuria every success in the upcoming Tahiti events,” Mr Roman said.

Tupuria joins surfer Ella Williams and tennis player Marina Erakovic in the airline’s growing ranks of NZ sports ambassadors.

For more information visit www.airtahitinui.co.nz