81-year old Mahaki Konia became an overnight internet sensation after taking on a bull, bullying his son's vehicle. The video has been viewed half a million times and tonight Te Kāea speaks with Whetu Konia, Mahaki's son, who captured the event on his camera for the world to see.
His actions had the internet on the edge of their seats. 81-year old Mahaki Konia going head-to-head with Rex the Bull from Tikitiki.
“The bull was over by my ute for insurance purposes I started filming it and next minute my dad went out the gate and that's where it all started,” says Whetu.
Whetu is the son of Mahaki, the man behind the camera.
“A little surprised he went out there and didn’t know what he was going to do. Then he picked up the water bottle, I didn't know what was going through my mind a little bit of fear, I didn't know what we could do so I thought I'd just keep videoing it.”
Mahaki's brave act made him an overnight internet sensation.
“I haven’t read a lot of the comments saying a lot of people saying their Koro would do the same, some commenting on my colourful language.”
Whetu called his dad who stays on the East Cape just outside of Te Araroa to tell him of his newfound fame.
“I rung him yesterday and he was more interested in the storm hitting the Cape at that time. I did mention that someone might call him for a chat, but he's a humble man he’s more interested in the weather.”
At the end of the day, Mahaki came out on top escaping unharmed.