Triathlon: Bureaucrats defend Tri title

Whakatane District Council hope for a win again at this year's Sovereign Tri Series CEO Challenge title on Sunday. Photo / Supplied

Last summer's Sovereign Tri Series CEO Challenge champions are back.

The Whakatane District Council has 18 teams entered in the short distance race at the Tri Tinman at Mount Maunganui on Sunday, and another five teams and individuals contesting in other races that same day.

Whakatane District Council chief executive, Marty Grenfell, says hectic work schedules have ruled out the possibility of achieving the 85 per cent involvement fielded last year. However, a remarkable 40 per cent of the organisation's full-time equivalent staff have entered for Tri Tinman and the Whakatane contingent hope to set a challenging target for other organisations to match.

"We love a challenge and this is a great opportunity to contribute to a fitter, healthier and more-engaged workforce.

"It was fantastic to be able to donate the $25,000 winner's prize from Sovereign to a charity very close to our hearts earlier this year. If we are fortunate enough to win again, we'll be supporting Sands (Still and Neonatal Death Support) to continue their great voluntary work with families in our area who have endured miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant loss.

"May the best corporate effort prevail."

Sovereign is offering $25,000 to the winning CEO's charity of choice, for the organisation that achieves the highest percentage participation rate across the series including participation by the CEO or business leader.

Sovereign CEO Symon Brewis-Weston says the Whakatane District Council were deserving winners of the 2014/15 CEO Challenge.

He is looking forward to seeing them and other businesses around New Zealand get on board this year.

"Created to motivate Kiwis to get active and participate in Tri Series events across the country, the Sovereign CEO Challenge is a fantastic initiative that builds team morale, helps staff get fit and healthy and gives back to the community.

"The Whakatane District Council is an excellent example of an organisation that committed, as a team, to improve their health and fitness by participating in the Sovereign CEO Challenge."

The council demonstrated just how significant the rewards can be for staff and ultimately the winners' chosen charity.