The Active Workplaces STeptember Challenge has been a popular initiative for over nine years, designed to boost movement and foster connections among Northland workplaces. Running throughout September, this four-week challenge encourages teams to support one another while increasing their daily step counts. By participating, workplaces not only enhance physical activity but also promote overall health and vitality. This local challenge aligns with national step initiatives, creating a broader community focused on wellbeing and active living. It's a great way to engage employees, build camaraderie, and encourage a healthier lifestyle!

This year’s Active Workplaces STeptember Challenge was a win for all! Over the month, 404 participants embraced the spirit of competition and camaraderie, boosting their step counts in both the Active and Office categories. Teams not only focused on reaching their goals but also shared plenty of fun moments, showcasing their walking adventures with photos from Northland and beyond.

Teams participated in the KF Step class each Thursday to up those weekly totals. The class was put on by the Kensington Fitness as another avenue for STeptember participants to connect and enjoy a variation of step activity.

Kaipara District Council's, The Treadsetters, took out this year’s Office category, while St Francis Xavier's, Are we there yet? secured the top spot in the Active category. Weekly spot prizes were won and above all, spirits were high throughout the challenge.

It was inspiring to see everyone stepping it up together, proving that a little friendly competition can go a long way in promoting health and wellbeing. Here’s to all the teams who made this challenge a memorable one!

Check out what some of the participants had to say…

• “I’ve been loving this challenge, and I’ve found that recording my steps has kept me accountable! Thank you all for organizing and running this, much appreciated." (MSD participant - Witness the Fitness)

• “Thanks for leading us through this STepember challenge. Being a relatively new person both in Northland and New Zealand, I found this to be an inspiring workplace challenge that promotes people to be active both within the workplaces and at home. I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the challenge in 2025” (NRC participant - Red Hot Chilli Steppers)

• “Thank you for another fabulous STeptember event. Our team has really enjoyed STeptember with the introduction of step classes at Kensington and our own, we initiated our own new concept “walking meetings” which we will continue to do as it has been excellent for ideas and motivation in our work.” (NRC participant - Squad Quad)

• “What a month! Thanks for organising the challenge, It was exactly what I needed to get me out of my Winter funk. I have rediscovered my passion for running and reassessed my fitness goals! So for me it doesn't end with STeptember” (Kensington Private Hospital participant - Forest Gump)

Photo credit - Bay of Islands Bayleys Team

Article written by Sharon Adams, Sport Northland Active Workplace Coordinator