Support the Future of Challenge Wanaka – Become a Benefactor
Challenge Wānaka has always been about more than a finish line. It’s about igniting passion, building confidence, strengthening community, and creating unforgettable experiences for our young people.
To make a donation please contact [email protected].
Why your support matters
At the heart of the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust is a commitment to youth participation. Each year, we subsidise nearly 2,000 local students—from pre-school through to high school—so they can take part in world-class sporting experiences right here in our own backyard.
Your generosity helps us continue this vital work: inspiring healthy lifestyles, encouraging physical activity, and ensuring cost is never a barrier to involvement.
A Community Event With Real Economic Impact
Challenge Wānaka brings athletes, families, and supporters from across New Zealand and around the world—providing a significant boost to local businesses and the regional economy.
But rising operational costs now threaten the long-term viability of the events we all love.
“Challenge Wānaka celebrates our community and supports youth sports participation,” says Jane Sharman, Trust & Event Director. “We invite everyone to help sustain this event and its benefits to our local economy and spirit.”
How You Can Help
Whether you’re a local, a long-time supporter, or someone who simply believes in the power of sport, becoming a benefactor is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference.
Your donation directly supports:
- Subsidised youth participation
- Adaptive and inclusive opportunities
- Safe, high-quality event delivery
- The long-term sustainability of the Festival
Every contribution—large or small—helps safeguard the future of Challenge Wānaka.
Annual Benefactor options:
- Platinum – $5,000
- Gold – $2,000
- Silver – $1,000
- Bronze – $500
Benefits of donating:
- Investment in our local community and help us to support children and adaptive participation from pre-school to high school ages and beyond.
- Support for a sustainable future for the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust
- Exclusive access to the VIP area at the Challenge Wānaka finish line
- Acknowledgement on the Challenge Wānaka website
- Recognition on the benefactor board at the festival
- Tax-deductible donation – claim up to 33% of your donation as a tax credit
Join us in making a difference for our local children and ensuring the continued success of Challenge Wānaka!
For more information, please contact Jane Sharman, Trust & Event Director:
[email protected] 021 1515 895 or find out more here.
Thanks so much to the below for their support:
Platinum
The Hutter Family
Gold
Nick Holdsworth
Silver
Dunlop Builders
Bronze
Batchelar McDougall Consulting Engineers
Summit Financial Group
subAlpine Security
Cinema Paradiso
Patron – Garth Barfoot
If you haven’t heard the name, Garth Barfoot is an absolute legend of Triathlon, patron of the Challenge Wanaka Aquabike race and generally an awesome kiwi gent!
He generously donates not only to Challenge each year but donates huge prizes and accommodation subsidies to NZ Aquabike National Championships.
New Zealand and Challenge Aquabike events would not be where they are today without the support of this man, to whom we are very thankful.