New port of call for Round the Bays fun run

Next year’s Round the Bays fun run will be sponsored by Ports of Auckland.

"We are very proud to have the opportunity to support and sponsor this iconic Auckland event for the next three years," Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen says.

Round the Bays attracts around 70,000 participants each year for an 8.4 kilometre fun run and walk along the Auckland waterfront between Quay St and St Heliers. It is the largest mass-participation sporting event in New Zealand.

From 2010, the event will be known as the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays.

Headquartered just off Quay St, Ports of Auckland services more than 1600 international ships from its wharves each year, providing an essential service to the Auckland and New Zealand economy.

"Round the Bays is a natural fit for us," says Mr Madsen. "The run, which showcases Auckland’s waterfront and active lifestyle, starts right on our doorstep."

Mr Madsen says the partnership was also an opportunity for Ports of Auckland and its staff to work with the community and bring new value to the popular annual event.

Ports of Auckland has nominated the Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust as one of the charities to benefit from the proceeds raised at the 2010 event.

Mr Madsen says Ports of Auckland’s commitment to responsible environmental management was behind the decision to support the ongoing work of the trust.

"The Waitemata Harbour is Auckland’s playground. We all need to work together to preserve it for generations to come."

Since 2002 the Waitemata Harbour Clean-up Trust has collected more than 1.8 million litres of rubbish from Auckland’s waterways, often with the help of volunteers.

"The trust has an important role educating young Aucklanders about the importance of keeping our harbour sparkling clean and rubbish free," says Mr Madsen.

"Having a working port in a major international city like Auckland is a special responsibility. We are committed to playing a positive role in the development of Auckland’s waterfront."

Since 1996 Ports of Auckland has reduced its waterfront footprint by almost half, from 140 hectares to 77. The Viaduct, the Wynyard Quarter tank farm and Hobson Wharf – the location of the Maritime Museum – are all on former port land.

Most recently, Ports of Auckland sold Queens Wharf, which will be transferred to the government and Auckland Regional Council next April.

Mr Madsen says the opening of a rail link between the Waitemata seaport and the Wiri Inland Port in South Auckland in early 2010 would also be of great benefit to Auckland.

"The link has the potential to save as many as 100,000 central city truck trips a year. It will also provide a new logistics solution for Auckland’s importing and exporting businesses."

The Ports of Auckland Round the Bays 2010 will be held on Sunday March 14.

Visit www.roundthebays.co.nz for more details.

- © Fairfax NZ News