Over the month of September, 58 teams came together once again to Step It Up for the annual STEPtember Challenge! The aim was simple – increase daily activity, challenge yourself and your teammates, and have a bit of friendly competition along the way.

Over the month, teams shared what they got up to, from lunchtime hikoi and after-work walks to weekend adventures, connecting with nature, whānau, friends and colleagues. The photos shared were awesome and really captured the fun, energy and team spirit of the challenge, with weekly spot prizes adding a little extra excitement along the way.

“The month certainly flew by – and so did the steps!  As we reached the finish line, Hansen Products and MSD took out the top spots, with Kiwi Kids winning the mystery spot prize draw. But the real win was seeing so many teams getting outside, moving more and encouraging each other along the way” says Sharon Adams, Active Workplace Coordinator at Sport Northland.

Team Corner Kids summed it up perfectly: “When team members (including me) comment that we specifically went on a walk or hike just to get the steps up, that means your challenge is working and is actually making us get out and do things that we may not have done.”

Team Probably Compliant finished with one last burst of activity, joining their sister team for a walk up Parihaka to celebrate reaching the finish line, while continuing their weekly team hikoi to get outside, connect as a team and have a bit of fun.

And from Scienstep came a lovely reminder of the mahi that goes on behind the scenes: “Our team is doing its best, despite it being a particularly busy and challenging time. Thank you for all the tremendous work you do behind the scenes to keep things moving and support all the teams. Your efforts are genuinely appreciated.”

A huge congratulations and thank you to all 58 teams for getting involved, sharing your adventures, supporting your teammates and helping make STEPtember 2026 such a success. 58 teams, plenty of steps, lots of laughs and hopefully a few new walking habits along the way!

More than just a step challenge, STEPtember continues to show how small daily actions can support wellbeing, strengthen workplace connections and encourage healthier habits that last beyond September.  If you would like any further information on our Active Workplace initiative, please email sharona@sportnorth.co.nz or check out our Active Workplaces FB page for challenges and events.

Article written by Sharon Adams, Active Workplace Coordinator