Kiwi actor Robbie Magasiva is training for an upcoming triathalon as if his life depends on it.
The star best is known for his roles as Dr Avia on Shortland Street, and more recently corrections officer Will Jackson in Australian prison drama Wentworth, which will start shooting a new season in May.
The actor’s top priority is his health, he told NZME. So, the opportunity to compete for the Partners Life Dual event on March 19 comes as the perfect motivator to get in some intensive training.
The event will see the 46-year-old swim, run and bike on Motutapu and Rangitoto. It’s the second time he’s competed, and this year he’ll joined by family: brothers Stevan and Tanu, and three of their cousins.
Robbie said it’s just about getting everyone a bit healthier they get older.
“Most of us are over 45, so for us it’s a long-term thing because we want to be healthy by the time we are 50 or 70. So it’s kick-starting that health thing.”
Robbie has also decided to stop drinking for now, which he said has made training this time round that much easier.
“I didn’t enjoy drinking during Christmas and New Year’s and I thought why not quit drinking.”
The annual event has been running for nine years now and has raised almost $300,000 for conservation and restoration work on Rangitoto and Motutapu.
“It’s a great cause. [The environment] is something we need to look after, especially right now with the way the world is going.”
