In April, more than 800 tamariki from across the Far North gathered at Te Hiku Sports Hub for a day of fun, fitness, and whanaungatanga at the Far North Weet-Bix Try-Challenge.

The Try-challenge is a mixed obstacle course in which tamariki move through cargo nets, inflatable obstacles, agility stations while running a track of approximately 800m. A timer is set; off they go to see how many loops of the course they can complete. 

Held for tamariki in Years 1 to 8, the event focused not on competition, but on encouraging participation, movement, and whanaungatanga. Far North kura have said to our Healthy Active Learning team that they love building across school relationships, and this event is the perfect opportunity for that. Tamariki, kaiako and whānau spend the day encouraging each other and supporting everyone to get through the course. What school you go to is often forgotten at Weetbix Try- Challenge, in fact the kids are all given Weet-Bix TRY shirts so on the day everyone is one big whānau! Smiles and laughter echoed across the course, during this event that is unmatched in terms of size and participation in the calendar for Far North schools.

Organisers emphasised inclusivity, making sure every child felt welcome and supported, regardless of ability or experience. The spirit of the day was all about giving it a go — and having fun while doing it. The event doesn’t determine who is the fastest or the strongest — it’s an even playing field, all about being part of something positive and active alongside your whānau and celebrating individual success, no matter what that looks like.

For many, it was also their first time experiencing the Te Hiku Sports Hub — a state-of-the-art facility designed to bring the community together through sport and recreation. The Try-Challenge served as the perfect occasion to activate the space and showcase its potential to energise the region’s tamariki and whānau.

Teachers, whānau, and volunteers helped create a vibrant, supportive environment, with plenty of cheers from the sidelines. Plenty of whānau and kaiako put up their hands to jump on course at stations, shirt up and actively engage in the kaupapa alongside their tamariki. From the opening moments to the final finish line, the day was filled with excitement, pride, and a strong sense of community.

As one parent put it, “This was more than a Tryathlon — it was a celebration of our tamariki, our region, and what’s possible when we come together.” Another parent said “Man all I wanted when I was young was to be a Weet-Bix kid, I’m keen to volunteer – where are the shirts”.

With such a successful turnout and positive energy, the Far North Weet-Bix Try-Challenge is sure to remain a highlight on the local calendar for years to come. We appreciate the support from SMC events and Te Hiku Community Board to create this opportunity for our Far North tamariki and encourage any other community funders or sponsors to jump on board for 2026 to ensure the continuation of this epic event.

Check out this short video highlighting all the action

Article written by Deanna Saxon, Healthy Active Learning Facilitator