The 31-year-old Wanaka triathlete will line up in Taupo looking to win the race for the third year running and it is something he believes will push him on.
"In my mind it is good to be race favourite, it is good to have a target," Currie said.
"Being defending champion is not so much a factor, but a home race is really important to me.
"I pushed hard at the Asia Pacific Champs last week but probably didn’t give it that 10% extra that I have at home.
"Taupo is one of my favourite places to race, and the course gives me plenty of motivation and inspiration."
Currie is a little more ragged heading into this year’s edition of the race than in the past.
He has had a big season, which included competing at the Ironman World Championships in Kona.
Despite that he is still excited and said he would not be holding back and felt he may have to be tactical with how he races.
"I definitely feel like I am at the end of my season and am a little tired.
"This feels like my last race this year and that is a really good headspace to be in. I will definitely race as hard as I can and go for the win and what will be will be."
Others to watch include Kiwis Mike Phillips and Callum Millward.
American Ben Collins will be among the internationals looking to impress while Australians Casey Munro, David Mainwaring, Alex Polizzi, Tim Rea and Paul Speed are all capable of standing on the podium.
The men’s race gets under way at 6.15am today, with the women setting off at 6.18am, followed by age-group athletes and teams.
• A toxic algae bloom in Lake Taupo has forced race organisers to scrub the swimming leg. Instead the race will have a 3km run to start the event.
