Kyra Mita has been a real star on the water representing New Zealand with great success in waka ama.

Growing up on the banks of Lake Rotoiti meant she was always going to be involved in water sports. Waka ama became her sport of choice and she has quickly shown her talents.

The Year 13 Rotorua Lakes High School student won gold at the 2017 World Championships in the 24km J19 World Long Distance event.

Last year, she won two more gold medals in the J19 Elite World Sprints over 500m and 1000m.

'To be fair it was a bit overwhelming. I didn't think I would get chosen to represent our country but it was fun,” says the 17-year-old.

'I like the longer distance events best because I like being out on the sea for long periods of time.”

Being selected as one of the 2019 Rotorua Young Achievers came as a shock to the modest athlete, but it was something she wanted to be part of.

'It's overwhelming because I have always wanted to get one. I have always looked at all the other Young Achievers from the years before and always wanted to be up there.

'So, it's a privilege.”

What Kyra loves most about waka ama is meeting new people and the travel representing New Zealand, plus the competitiveness of racing on the water.

'I also like the training. Just pushing hard and how it disciplines you. Waking up early in the mornings and going training.”

Following her success at the 2018 World Championships, Kyra was selected in the New Zealand under-23 white water rafting team for the world champs.

At this year's event in Australia, she helped her team win a silver medal.

Kyra had never competed in white water rafting before, so says it's definitely a challenge adjusting to the different skills required.

'In white water rafting you are stuck on the one side and that can be pretty painful plus you are in white water and there are lots more rocks. But I enjoy it.”

Next year's 2020 Waka Ama World Championships in Hawaii is Kyra's main goal she is working towards, plus hopefully joining the fire service as her career choice.

Rotorua Lakes High School Sports Co-ordinator Lisa McFarlane says Kyra has developed into one of the school's most successful sportspeople, winning the top prize at the school's Sports Awards two years in a row.

'She has also been a finalist last year and this year in the BOP Sports Awards in the Secondary Girls' section,” says Lisa.

'Having been selected to represent New Zealand at world champs in two different codes, Kyra's commitment to training has been awesome for someone so young. Training through the winter months twice a day being no mean feat.

'She is very lucky also to have very supportive parents who have been there for her through her paddling career. The most pleasing thing to me is that she has remained very humble after all her successes.”

* The annual Young Achievers awards are sponsored by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust for success across sports, cultural, community, academic and leadership fields.