Workplace Wellness Works

Whangarei’s favourite workplace run/walk event, the Ray White Hatea Loop Challenge was held on Thursday 7 December.

This annual event, run by Sport Northland Events​, celebrates the Hatea Loop Walk/Cycleway (Huarahi o te Whai) and Workplace Health, and is now in it’s third year .

More than 800 people, representing 89 businesses from across Northland tackled the 4.8km run/walk event – designed for workplaces to participate and challenge one another in a fun, festive and social atmosphere.

Participants enter as part of a workplace team (of three of more people) across either the run, run/walk, or walk categories – with the results being calculated on the first 3 finishers for that team. There are a range of industry categories in which teams enter – challenging fellow workplaces and departments from across the region. In recent years a special category has also been added for ‘Big Bosses’’ and many teams now also dress up for the challenge. Now in its third year the event has been supported by Ray White Whangarei, Bream Bay and Tutukaka since inception – and follows on from the offices’ history of supporting Sport Northland (previously working on a local Whangarei Kids Triathlon). The office also give away a Ray White bike on the day – which was this year won by a member of the Northland Kindergarten Association team.

This year Ray White Whangarei, Bream Bay and Tutukaka were once again proud to take out the ‘Real Estate’ category – with over 27 of their sales, property management and administration staff competing, plus 5 members voluteering to marshal for the organisers. Other businesses competing this year included Robinson Asphalts, BDO Northland, Sumpter Baughen Chartered Accountants who took out the Top Overall team Category; Henderson Reeves Lawyers and BDO taking out the male/female Big Boss Category; Mill Road Vet Clinic and Sumpter Baughen Chartered Accountants taking out the Top Male/Female overall; and category winners being: Fonterra (Agriculture/Recreational Services), Mill Road Vet Clinic (Government/Health/Education), Whangarei House of Travel (Sport and Leisure/Tourism), Robinsons Asphalts (Construction/Building/Transport:), A’Fare (Retail/Hospitality), Spark Business (Communications/IT), Kamo Volunteer Fire Brigade (Volunteer Services). Ray White were also proud to

Sport Northland is a charitable trust and a registered charity with any profits reinvested into their local community programmes which are aimed at encouraging Northlanders to become more active. Funds from this years’ Ray White Hatea Loop Challenge will go towards supporting their Active Workplace Programme which promotes physical activity in the workplace to help create happier, healthier working environments.

“We value our partnership with Sport Northland – a company whose values of passion, innovation, relationships, and leadership closely align with our own” says Company Director, Vanessa McKenzie.

Held in December each year The Hatea Loop Challenge is a great way for colleagues to come together and reflect on the year with many teams gathering on the Hihiaua Peninsular for a relaxing barbecue to celebrate their achievements and socialise with live entertainment this year provided by local band 5K.

“We eagerly anticipate this event each year! With participant numbers dropping across similar nation-wide events we were pleased that this event once again grew to reach record numbers… it just keeps getting bigger, and better!” said fellow Company Director, John Monteith. . “The positiivity, networking, and camaraderie of this event never ceases to amaze – and we love hearing all about people stepping out of their comfort zone zone and giving it a go – many on their own personal fitness journeys. We are convinced this event strengthens teams and makes a positive difference in workplace wellness… and at the end of the day, it’s just good fun!

Iconic in Northland, the Hatea Loop is a 4.2km fully accessible walkway that circles the Hatea River, crossing three bridges. The Hatea Loop that weaves past shops, through markets, beside yachts, parks and industrial areas, across the new cycle and footbridge over the Waiarohia Stream, is part of a grand vision of an area that all people can enjoy however they want to. The walkway links Whangarei’s Town Basin with Te Matau a Pohe and William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island – from which a variety of activities can be enjoyed. Ray White will soon be moving to their brand new, purpose built office alongside the award winning Whangarei’s Te Matau ā Pohe bridge on The Hatea Loop in early 2018.

View all the photos from this years’ event on the Ray White Whangarei Facebook page.
> Ray White Whangarei Facebook Page.