Rotorua man wins Mr New Zealand | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Rotorua body-builder Darryn Onekawa is Mr New Zealand.

The 33-year-old snatched the national title from last year's winner, Nathan O'Hearn, at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland at the weekend.

He won the open men's over 100kg section and the overall men's physique sections, winning two gold medals and a trophy.

Mr Onekawa, who took up bodybuilding after being bullied at school as a teenager, took a break from the sport until 2003, before winning the national amateur title in 2005.

His latest title gives him the privilege to apply for his pro-card, allowing him to compete for the Mr Olympia title.

Elite Fitness manager finds bodybuilding rewarding.

"I needed a challenge," he says.

"It's great because bodybuilding is an individual sport. It all depends on your own effort. You get out of it what you put into it."

That meant a strict diet "low in fat and high in protein", including up to six trays of eggs a week, he said.

At least two hours daily he is training with a cardiovascular workout and weight training. "It's quite time-consuming, it's life-encompassing. But then, you only reap what you sow."

He said he was stoked to now have the chance to compete alongside bodybuilders he considered his idols - like Dexter Jackson and Jay Cutler.

"It's huge for the sport ... Now I can apply for my pro-card, I can compete overseas and take the stage with guys I've read about in magazines, guys I have idolised ...

"It's my ultimate dream to be able to do this," Mr Onekawa said.

His partner, Jamie Macdougall, said Mr Onekawa had been determined and committed to his training regime, which she said had now paid off.

"He's got it all down to a fine art now. He has a routine and organises himself ... He's stayed a lot leaner this time too ... He knows he can't get too big in the off-season.

"All he does is work, sleep and train."