Cook Islands athlete Max Teuruaa is gearing up for the upcoming Polynesian Track and Field Championships. Photo credit: Casey Sims/Oceania Athletics.
By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, Pasifika TV/PCBL
Max Teuruaa’s goal of being known as the Pacific athlete who could perform every discipline in athletics is becoming more and more tangible as he continues to impress in both track and field events in the Cook Islands and internationally.
The 23-year-old, who hails from Matavera, Rarotonga and was born and raised in Kaukapakapa, Aotearoa New Zealand, has been competing in track and field events ever since he was a young child.
“It all started with school athletics back when I was about nine years old, where I realised, I loved the sport and the challenge,” Max says.
“My goal in this sport right now is to reach higher performance levels and qualify for new competitions and championships and I hope to be known as that Polynesian that could do every event in athletics.”
Max Teuruaa is proud of his Kūki ‘Āirani roots and upbringing. Photo credit: Casey Sims/Oceania Athletics.
Max currently holds the 110m Hurdles record, 60m Hurdles record, Pole Vault record, and competes in the decathlon.
He has his sights set on this year’s New Zealand Decathlon Championships in March, and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games later this year.
Prior to the Decathlon Champs, he will contest various events at the revived Polynesian Track and Field Championships, which has been incorporated into the 2026 New Zealand Track and Field Championships, taking place from March 5-8, at The Trusts Arena in Auckland.
For Max, who says his career highlight is representing the Cook Islands at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, the Polynesian Championships is a chance to showcase the talent within the Pacific, and the region itself.
“The Polynesian Games are important for the sport to showcase athletes with talent that aren’t always seen on European or American televised competition,” he says.
“Many athletes in the Polynesian community do not have easily accessible tracks, or competition, anywhere near the scale of other international athletes.
“I hope with the inclusion of the Polynesian Champs that more athletes of every age, see potential in themselves and step out on the stage.”
To grow athletics among Pacific people, enjoyment must be found from watching events, Max says.
“We also need more athletes to stay involved, so spreading awareness and making it enjoyable for everyone is needed for everyone to fall in love with athletics.
“Federations across Oceania are trying to hold more youth programmes, and creating better opportunities for young athletes, but we need to find longevity for athletes and life-long fans.”
It is his Kūki ‘Āirani roots and upbringing as to why he strives for greatness in the sport, Max adds.
“The support I receive from my friends, family, and the nation is what keeps me going.”
Over 100 Polynesian athletes will contest the championships, which was last staged 10 years ago, and is a meaningful step forward in strengthening ties across the Pacific, while creating new opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials from the region.
Meanwhile, the Polynesian Championships programme will include standalone 100m finals for men and women exclusively for Polynesian nations.
These championship races, alongside the men’s discus, will be staged as part of Track Stars, Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier athletics entertainment show, broadcast live and free on TVNZ 1 and streaming on TVNZ+.
Free General Admission tickets for Track Stars are now available online, as well as spectator tickets for all four days of the New Zealand Track and Field Championships, incorporating the Polynesian Track and Field Championships.
Fans can watch Track Stars from home live and free on TVNZ One or streaming on TVNZ+ or via Pasifika TV in the wider Pacific region.