More native trees will feature on the Challenge Wanaka run course as a result of the event naming the Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust as its official charity.

Te Kakano Aotearoa is a Wanaka community based plant organisation that restores natural habitats in the region through native planting.

The latest tree planting was held earlier this week next to a section of the Challenge Wanaka run course, Penrith Reserve near Beacon Point, and featured Challenge Wanaka Trustee and competitor Kelly Good who has qualified for the ITU Triathlon age group world championships on the Gold Coast in September.

“As a charitable trust Challenge Wanaka looks at ways to support the local community that has sporting, recreational or social value benefits,” Challenge Wanaka Race Director Bill Roxburgh said. “'There is no doubt Te Kakano more that fits that criteria. We all need to be working towards creating a better environment and by supporting the Te Kākano Trust we will get to physically see the results and outcomes of that support actually grow over time; that makes it pretty special.”

Te Kakano spokeswoman Megan Williams said the trust was ''really excited'' to now be working with Challenge Wanaka as the event’s official charity.

“We have been involved with Challenge Wanaka and have received some donations for the last couple of years but it’s great to take it to a new level that will see opportunities for the athletes to donate to support putting trees back into the environment on the actual run course which benefits all of us.”

Challenge Wanaka is New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival attracting over 2600 competitors. The next event is Saturday 16 February.

ENDS

© Scoop Media