New Zealand's top female kayaker, Luuka Jones, has received a healthy boost to her Rio Olympics hopes in the shape of a brand new car and a constant supply of fruit from Just Avocados.

'It's fantastic to have the car to get to training now I'm back in New Zealand,” says Luuka, who is back home in the Bay of Plenty for a short break.

Luuka Jones and Just Avocado managing director Andrew Darling with the VW Polo. Photos: Supplied.

'It's certainly getting a lot of attention because of the great signwriting.”

Earlier this year, Katikati-based post-harvest and export company Just Avocados formed a sponsorship partnership with the two-time Olympian and Rio 2016 contender.

Now Luuka is in training for next year's South American showcase, avocados have become a big part of her diet. 'They are a great food during training, before an event and an avocado smoothie is an ideal recovery drink after competing,” she says.

Steve Trickett,marketing director for Just Avocados and Global Fresh, says Luuka is the ideal 'brand ambassador” for the company.

'She epitomises health and vitality and believes in good nutrition,” says Steve. 'She's also a committed fan of avocados.”

'Luuka's role as an Olympic Ambassador, which involves visiting schools to talk about her sporting career and inspire young people to follow their dreams, is also impressive.”

The new 2015 VW Polo Luuka is driving not only carries Just Avocado's signwriting, but it is also fitted with a roof rack for her training kayak.

'It's so great because to be honest, my other one was a bit dodgy,” says Luuka, who trains every day via running, cycling, visiting the gym or on the water.

Currently based in Nottingham in the UK, she is competing in World Cup events across Europe and is a full time athlete supported by High Performance Sport NZ.

Luuka's love of water and kayaking was sparked when her family moved to Bethlehem, close to the Wairoa River.

Luuka's preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio are in full swing.

'I used to help out at Waimarino Adventure Park in return for kayaking lessons and went over my first waterfall in a kayak when I was about 14,” says Luuka.

At 18, in an attempt to improve in her chosen sport, Luuka saved up to move to Nottingham to train alongside the British kayaking team.

'Qualifying for Beijing in 2008 was a turning point for me. I was 19-years-old, naive to the world of professional sport and totally inspired by the occasion.”

Following Beijing, Luuka joined the Waiariki Academy of sport in Rotorua, receiving sports science input for the first time and immersing herself in a fun and supportive athletic environment.

'This was integral in helping me qualify for and compete in the London Olympics,” she says.

'Following London I received support from High Performance Sport NZ, enabling me to work with a full-time coach for the first time.

'This has made a huge difference, and in two years I have gone from being in the top 30 in the world to finishing in the top 10 at the World Championships in 2014.”