Ports staff won't miss this boat

Photo: SHANE WENZLICK

TEAM EFFORT: Ports of Auckland staff are training hard for the Ports of Auckland Round the Bays on Sunday. Running circles around their team mates are Corey Chesney, left, and Michelle Smith, right. Clockwise from back left: Raoul Borley, Darren Wiseman, Antony dePont, Mary Daly, Jacqueline Cullen and Emily Avis.

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A sea of white shirts worn by enthusiastic employees from Ports of Auckland will be dominating the waterfront this Sunday.

This year’s Round the Bays will be sponsored by the Ports of Auckland for the first time and will see 470 members of staff and their families taking part.

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

The trust, set up in 2002, is a charitable organisation that oversees the removal of litter from Auckland’s Wai-temata Harbour and inner gulf islands. It also pro-motes the concept of clean, clear and rubbish free waterways.

Ports of Auckland managing director Jens Madsen believes the fun-run does a great job of showcasing Auckland’s beautiful harbour and waterfront.

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

Waitemata Harbour Clean-Up Trust co-ordinator Hayden Smith says it’s absolutely fantastic to have the support.

He says the funds will help with running the 6.5-metre boat the Phil Warren,
which was provided by the Ports of Auckland in 2002, for litter retrieval and removal.

Ports of Auckland communications manager Craig Dowling says everyone in the company is really looking forward to the event.

"The great thing is that everyone, no matter what their fitness level, can do Round the Bays.

"It’s a community thing and a fun thing. Ports of Auckland is really excited to be involved."

More than 60,000 participants will be running and walking the 8.4km distance from Quay St in the city to St Heliers on the waterfront.

Ronald McDonald House and Fairfax First Books are charities also benefiting from proceeds raised.

To enter the event visit www.roundthebays.co.nz. Ports of Auckland Round the Bays starts at 9.30am on Sunday.

- © Fairfax NZ News