Te Rina Leubert

Te Rina: Building Her Future On and Off the Water

Balancing a full-time apprenticeship with the demands of high-performance sport is no small task, but Te Rina is proving it’s possible with discipline, planning, and plenty of determination. As both a competitive waka ama paddler and a building apprentice, she has learned that success comes down to time management and looking after her body.

“Being in the building industry can be physically taxing, so I make sure I fit in recovery sessions. That way I can stay productive at both paddling and work,” she explains.

Why Building?

For Te Rina, construction felt like a natural fit.
“I liked the physical element of doing construction and saw it as an opportunity to supplement my sport while also building a career.”

It’s a choice that goes beyond just work. “Adaptability, problem solving, and future forecasting—skills I’m learning on site—also connect to my sport. You’re constantly thinking ahead, just like in a race.”

A Day in the Life

Her schedule is packed from the moment the alarm goes off:

• 5:30am Wake up
• 6:30am On site
• 7:30am Tool belt on
• 4:00pm Knock off
• 4:30pm On the water training
• 6:30pm Shower/Drive home
• 7:30pm Dinner
• 10:00pm Bed

Afternoons can vary depending on competition schedules, recovery needs, or training type—sprints vs. long-distance.

Challenges and Trade-Offs

The hardest part, she admits, is the financial side. “Waka ama can be expensive with travel and competition across Aotearoa and overseas. Deciding whether it’s worth taking time off to compete is often the first question I ask myself.”

Construction also plays a dual role in her life: sometimes a break, sometimes added pressure.
“When I’m on repetitive tasks like fixing joist hangers, it gives my mind a break—similar to a long paddle on calm water. But with tight deadlines, that pressure can build.”

Lessons from Sport

Her sports background has set her up well for the building site.
“Both work and sport require teamwork. You need to function as one unit to get the job done effectively. And discipline is huge—understanding responsibilities and pushing yourself to meet the highest standards.”

Staying Motivated

Of course, motivation isn’t always easy. “There are times when I feel drained, but then I remind myself of my ‘why.’ I got into construction because I like working with my hands and representing females in a male-dominated industry. And I paddle because I love the water, the competition, and the constant challenge.”

Looking Ahead

Te Rina isn’t choosing one path over the other—she’s building both.
“I’m lucky to be in a sport where people can compete at a high level no matter the age. I see both careers coexisting long-term, but in construction I hope to move into a managerial role in the future.”

Her Advice to Young Athletes

Her message to others considering the trades while competing is simple but powerful:
“Surround yourself with a strong support network in both sport and construction. Be organised, plan ahead, and be adaptable. Things will change, but if you’re prepared, you can make both careers work.”