25-05-2025
Steps taken to raise over $60k for charity
OceanaGold Macraes Mine brigade captain and emergency response co-ordinator Steve Renton gets his breath back after completing the annual Sky Tower Stair Challenge on Saturday. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
There is more than one way to come out on top at the Sky Tower Stair Challenge.
The OceanaGold Macraes Mine emergency response team competed in the annual firefighters' event in Auckland on Saturday, and while they did not cross the line first, they were the leading fundraiser across the country, having raised more than $60,000 for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
The 17 Macraes team members joined forces with five of their Waihi Mine colleagues, to race up the 1103 stairs at the Sky Tower, each wearing full firefighting kit — weighing up to 25kg.
Of the 50 competing teams Macraes was third with an overall time of 37 minutes and 25 seconds.
Macraes' brigade captain and emergency response co-ordinator Steve Renton said the annual event was a chance to build a strong and connected emergency response team, improve fitness and most importantly, support Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
"The team has been training for months, so it's a relief to have another challenge under our belt.
The OceanaGold Macraes Mine emergency response team at the foot of the Auckland Sky Tower on Saturday.
"This is the first time we have come in first place across the country for our fundraising efforts, so the team is feeling grateful for the generous support from our loved ones, Macraes Mine colleagues and the kind people of Otago.
"As well as raising vital funds for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, the challenge gives us a chance to continue building an efficient emergency response team.
"And nothing builds a connected team quite like competing in a mentally and physically exhausting challenge as one unit."
Macraes health and safety adviser Paul Remon was the mine's biggest contributor, raising more than $11,000; and heavy diesel mechanic Max Watson recorded the best time for team Macraes, climbing the 51 flights in just 11 minutes and 59 seconds.
They were among thousands of firefighters from across the country and beyond who took part in the event.
