Volunteers at this year's Harcourts Women's Triathlon giving out water to competitors in reusable cups.
Volunteers at this year's Harcourts Women's Triathlon giving out water to competitors in reusable cups.
Triathletes need water from the sidelines as they’re straining with every sinew to reach the finish line.
But what they don’t need are single-use plastic cups of it, an initiative at the Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Women’s triathlon has shown.
With support from Hastings District Council Waste Minimisation Fund, the HeretaungaWomen’s Centre partnered with Sustainable Hawke’s Bay to introduce reusable cups at every water station throughout the course.
Sustainable Hawke’s Bay general manager Sam Paterson said it was about more than just swapping cups.
“It’s about showing that local events can lead the way in reducing waste and protecting the place we love.”
Held at Mitre 10 Sports Park on Sunday, October 16, the triathlon, which has been running since 2020, drew wāhine from across the country, with funds raised to support the Heretaunga Women’s Centre.
This year’s event brought in close to $35,000 to support the centre’s work.
Four special trophies were awarded to recognise excellence, teamwork, and spirit amongst competitors, with Team Foot Chase from the NZ Police taking home the Harcourts Hawke’s Bay Emergency Services Trophy.
The Wendy Schollum Youth Trophy went to Lili Ganivet, and the Heretaunga Women’s Centre Trophy was awarded to Hanna Wrigley.
The Amanda Meynell Memorial Trophy, honouring the centre’s former manager, was presented to Team MarewAAA.
With the course temperature reaching 27C, four water stations were dotted around the course, staffed by volunteers – including Woodford House students – to keep everyone hydrated.
Sustainable HB general manager Sam Paterson, left, and Heretaunga Women's Centre manager Deidré Venter make a toast to sustainability with the reuseable cups used at the triathlon.
Heretaunga Women’s Centre manager Deidré Venter said the initiative is something the community can be proud of.
“The triathlon celebrates wellbeing, empowerment, and connection. Taking steps toward sustainability feels like a natural extension of that kaupapa.
“We want to care not only for our participants but for our wider environment too.”
The triathlon helps to raise vital funds for free and low-cost counselling, education programmes, support groups, advocacy, and wellbeing activities for women across Hawke’s Bay.
