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Regional | Rio Olympics 2016

Lisa Carrington's former school celebrates her win

Students from Whakatane High School celebrated their former student Lisa Carrington’s win from last night's Gold Medal race in the K1 200m Sprint at the Rio Olympics.

Her success was celebrated in front of the Whakatane High School meeting house (Te Tahi o Te Rangi) where she formerly took Māori studies with her former form teacher, Mr.Te Kapua Riini.

“Such an awesome achievement for Lisa, I remember when she was part of our Te Aka Matua Department (Māori Dept) whilst she was here, she would always give anything a go”, says Mr Riini.

Mr. Riini had previously assisted some of his students like Lisa learning how to row in a traditional canoe which Whakatane High School would part take in during the Annual Hoe Waka National Regatta at

Turangawaewae Marae. In 2004 Whakatane High School would take out the title. Carrington and many other former students of Te Aka Matua Department also learnt about their Māori Heritage which included, kapa haka, whaikōrero, whakapapa and held wānanga / noho marae at the local marae in the Whakatane District.

Reporter Taroi Black has more on this story tonight at 5:30pm with subtitles.