For GODZONE Chapter 12, we’re backing a couple of teams with gear and nutrition support — and one of them is Team AWS Motueka High. Four mates from high school, these legends have been racing together as part of the wider Motueka High School Adventure Racing Team, and they made up half of the 2024 winning Hillary Challenge crew.
This young pack who is mentored by adventure racing legend and multiple world champion Nathan Fa’avae, is bringing some fresh energy to the seasoned GODZONE scene. Hungry for adventure, full of grit, and ready to take on whatever Chapter 12 throws at them, with the usual mix of humour, resilience, and good old-fashioned teamwork.
“We all love adventuring out in the hills and a good mission,” they say. “GODZONE is exciting for us and we’re looking forward to seeing how we’ll hold up against what’s sure to be a massive course. Being our first big race as a team, we’re aiming to work efficiently, race hard, and hopefully finish the full course.”
Let’s take a closer look at this conspiracy of four.
Nika - Nav, Technical Skills
What I love most about adventure racing is the connections you make with the people around you. Heading off on epic trips with amazing teammates while pushing my limits is super rewarding — and all the skills I’ve picked up carry over into so many parts of life.
Most memorable training moment or wildest race experience
Some of my favourite training has been carrying my kayak into some awesome West Coast rivers. That way, it doesn’t even feel like training!
Favourite race snack
Week-old pocket carrots go a long way 😊
Most looking forward to about GODZONE
I’m most excited for a big adventure with some of my favourite people — where we’ll laugh and suffer together. I’m also looking forward to the ease of racing with this crew, because we’re really good at looking after each other.
Tide - Nav, Wip Cracker
You’ll find me with a map in hand (hopefully not looking too confused), walking the fine line between a fun mates’ trip and racing to the best of our abilities.
Most memorable training moment or wildest race experience
Competing in a 9-hour adventure race while being sick — it turned into a 9-hour trip down struggle street 😊
Favourite race snack
Baby food! Quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious.
Most looking forward to about GODZONE
Laughing, suffering, and going a bit crazy with friends. We haven’t spent much time together this year, so what better way to catch up than a multi-day adventure race?
Leo - Packhorse, Backup Nav, Wip Cracker
Most memorable training moment or wildest race experience
My most enjoyable training moments are probably just any time I can get out to the hills with my friends. In particular - walking up on big hills and paragliding off them. So much fun!
Favourite race snack
When I need something substantial, I go for dry two-minute noodles or a few Super Wine biscuits. But when I’m really running low, FIXX Energy Gels — especially the lemon sorbet flavour — are an absolute lifesaver!
Most looking forward to about GODZONE
I’m stoked to get out on course, push myself, and have a good time with some awesome people.
Louie – Packhorse
Most memorable training moment or wildest race experience
During the Kaikōura 48-hour, one of my shoes blew out early in a 20-hour packraft-trek stage. I had to tape it up and keep going — and to top it off, we got lost, cold, ran out of water, and I got so dehydrated I couldn’t move, so we had to stop for a sleep. Some good lessons learned there! I’m very happy to be swapping in a solid pair of La Sportivas this time around.
Favourite race snack
Not sure if we’ll stumble across any shops on course, but if we do, a hot pie, a Coke, and a large chocolate milk would go down hard.
Most looking forward to about GODZONE
All the ups, downs, challenges, and epic places we’ll get to see along the way.
Ready, set, adventure on!
The crew at Mountain Adventure is cheering on these four with a quiet fist pump and a loud burst of stoke. GODZONE Chapter 12 is shaping up to be a wild tapestry, and we can’t wait to watch this young squad thread their way through it. May their nav be sharp, their humour bottomless, their snacks plentiful, and their adventure one for the storybooks. Good luck out there team! Go well, go hard, and let the course surprise you in all the best ways.
Photo credits: Guillermo Gutierrez, Johnny Johnson & Louie Burger