Registrations encouraged for Northpower Wild Kiwi

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SPORT

 

7 Mar, 2023

 

The Northpower Wild Kiwi is going ahead this weekend, Saturday March 11, thanks to a superb clean-up effort by the Department of Conservation and landowners.

Total Sport’s Mark Fordham says a huge effort has gone into getting the courses ready for racing following damage from Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Now we have road access back up and running into Northland and confirmation our courses are clear, we would love to see a surge in registrations for March 11,” says Mr Fordham.

So far, 450 people are lined up for Northland’s largest multi-sport event and while numbers are now likely to be down due the recent weather disruptions, he is hoping for a late surge of registrations.

“I think we could all do with some cheer and those who have been involved in the Northpower Wild Kiwi in recent years know what a great vibe it has. It is really family friendly and there is an event for everyone.

“Having to cancel the 2022 event at late notice due to Covid, it is a massive relief that we are back on track for this Saturday.”

While there may be a need to make some minor course changes due to weather damage, satisfactory routes will be in place, so competitors have nothing to worry about.

Mr Fordham says the 3km team run has been scrapped from the Multisport to make it suitable for teams without a runner.

However, the MILD Kiwi is the perfect introduction to Multisport and can be tackled in a team or individually. It includes a 5km sea kayak, an 18km mountain bike (MTB) and a 10km run around Whangarei Heads.

Although there are shorter distances in the event, the Northpower Wild Kiwi is quite possibly New Zealand’s toughest half marathon.

Northpower’s General Manager of People and Capability, Andrea O’Brien, is relieved the event is going ahead.

“Our people have worked incredibly had to restore power to Northland in recent weeks, so they really deserve some down time. The Northpower Wild Kiwi offers them and their families just that,” says Ms O’Brien.

“We can’t wait to get out there and hang out with our community because they have been so supportive of our frontline workers in the aftermath of the storm damage.”

Dozens of Northpower employees are taking part.

“We are so grateful to have access to the Bream Head Scenic Reserve as part of the course. Whangarei District is part of our electricity network, so it is important for Northpower to give back to our community,” says Ms O’Brien.

Total Sport and Northpower say it is a privilege to support the Bream Head Conservation Trust but say due to Kauri Dieback Disease, contestants must ensure shoes, tyres and equipment are clean of dirt before beginning the race.

Breamhead /Te Whara Conservation Trust Chair Greg Innes says his team are pleased to host the Northpower Wild Kiwi once again and hopes competitors will enjoy seeing the flourishing ecosystem after 21 years of pest control and conservation work by Rangers and volunteers.

Not only have new native species been found, but birds are also being reintroduced and species that were only occasional visitors from the Hen and Chicken Islands are now breeding within the reserve.

He says the ongoing restoration of Bream Head/Te Whara has created a sanctuary where natural ecology is thriving through a healthy forest and abundant bird song, allowing people to experience nature at its best.

“These efforts mean the Trust and hapu members are able to provide educational programmes to schools on the value of ecological restoration and the natural environment along with recreational opportunities,” says Mr Innes.

The 2021 Northpower Wild Kiwi saw 740 children and adults take part – more than 100 of them from Northpower.

 

To find out more check out:

• thewildkiwi.co.nz/
• thewildkiwi.co.nz/event-start-times
• breamheadtrust.nz/

 

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