We are proud to sponsor and support local community events, and it’s great seeing our employees, contractors and their families participate in events Wenita is involved in.
Two events that are now regulars on Wenita’s calendar are the Orokonui Challenge and the Taieri Mouth Coastal Classic.
Orokonui Challenge
This event is a tough 18.7km running race from the top of the Orokonui Sanctuary, over volcanoes, around the coast and back through the sanctuary to the finish line. Different members of Wenita staff have volunteered as marshals for this race over the last three years. The 2025 race was held on 19 October with over 80 competitors. The fastest competitor finished the course in just over 90 minutes, which is a tremendous effort.
2025 Calder Stewart Coastal Classic
The Calder Stewart Coastal Classic at Taieri Mouth is an annual event, featuring mountain biking, running and walking races.
Wenita has sponsored this event since its inception, usually providing access to the Akatore Forest for the mountain and gravel biking courses. After the wind storm on 23 October, the forest was too unsafe to be used for the races. However, the organising committee did a fabulous job creating an alternative course for the 2025 event at short notice, allowing it to proceed with 596 registered participants. It was an outstanding community effort and enjoyed by everyone.
Photo: Scenic shoreline views enjoyed along the Coastal Classic course.