Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s sport and recreation centres have been buzzing with activity, bringing together students, staff and community members to lift, run, walk and challenge themselves, celebrating movement in all its forms.
Step it up
September saw the launch of the inaugural Massey University Steps Challenge, which brought together all three campuses and our distance cohort in a friendly competition to see who could take the most steps over four weeks.
The top three walkers from each location were awarded prizes, with the 12 finalists collectively clocking up 6,180,718 steps – enough to get you from Cape Reinga to Bluff three times!
Ōtehā
- Sakina T - 531,931
- 2. Karl P - 519,247
- 3. Ivan M - 402,224
Turitea
- Sabine O’Neill-Stevens – 714,357
- Melissa Bowkett – 665,354
- Ashlee Reddecliffe – 599,213
Pukeahu
- Emma Kuriger – 827,755
- Emma Howell – 409,426
- Elizabeth Clement – 351,095
Distance
- Kane Ritchie – 415,917
- Laura Ryan – 408,874
- Jonty Graham – 335,325
“It’s a great way to stay active, connect with others and make every step count,” Auckland Wellbeing and Recreation Coordinator Macey Barrow says.
“People always love a challenge, especially when there are prizes and bragging rights on the line! It’s been fantastic seeing how much enthusiasm and friendly competition this event sparked across all campuses.”
Wellington, we have Lift-Off
At the end of September, Massey Gym Wellington hosted its very first Community Lift Off, part of the annual Campus Lift Off powerlifting competition. Students, staff and community members hit new personal bests in an atmosphere filled with encouragement and celebration, finishing the day with well-earned pizza.
Among the standout lifts were Alan Ross, who set new gym records with a 180 kilogram bench press and a 272.5 kilogram squat, and Tejal Kala, who broke her previous record with an 112.5 kilogram deadlift.
Sport, Recreation and Wellbeing Coordinator Jesse Brady says the energy in the gym was unforgettable.
“It was an incredible event that really showcased the strength, commitment and camaraderie within our community. A massive thank you to all the staff, volunteers and athletes who made it happen.”
Rec Rox brings the heat in Manawatū
Over at the Manawatū Recreation Centre, competitors turned up the intensity for Rec Rox, Massey’s very own HYROX-inspired functional fitness challenge. Participants tackled a demanding course of eight exercises, each separated by a 400-metre run, testing their strength, endurance and mental grit.
Competitors rowed, swung kettlebells, lifted barbells and powered through burpees, as well as carried, lunged and slammed their way to the finish line. Participants could compete solo or in pairs, with more than 20 athletes taking part.
The top performance of the day came from duo Jarell Ang and Toby Massam, who completed the course in an impressive 35 minutes and 48 seconds.
Duo Jarell Ang and Toby Massam completed the course in 35 minutes and 48 seconds.
Wellbeing and Club Coordinator Emma Carey says the event was a great success.
“It had an electric atmosphere from start to finish with everyone giving it their all. It was an awesome display of determination and teamwork. A massive shoutout to everyone who took part, supported or cheered from the sidelines, you made the first Rec Rox one to remember!”
Taking a moment to breathe
The Auckland Recreation Centre hosted the BREATHE Series, a wellbeing initiative designed to help students slow down, de-stress and reconnect. Through mindfulness, yoga, breathwork and meditation, students learned practical tools to manage stress and boost wellbeing during the busy semester.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting that the series provided a calm, educational and supportive atmosphere where they felt comfortable to relax, share and reflect. Prizes were drawn at the end of each session, including Scholars Café vouchers and wellbeing prize packs.
Want to be part of the action?
Massey’s sport and recreation centres are all about community, movement and celebrating what our bodies can do. They’re open to everyone – students, staff and the general public, so if you’re near one of our three centres, come check out what’s on and get involved.
Find out more about Massey’s sport and recreation centres.
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