OceanaGold continues to support the wellbeing of communities across New Zealand. One example is its ongoing participation in the Sky Tower Challenge. Each year, members of OceanaGold’s New Zealand Waihi and Macraes mines rescue and emergency response teams join firefighters and emergency personnel from across the country to climb Auckland’s Sky Tower and raise funds in support of those affected by blood cancer. 

This year, the event raised over NZ$2.4 Million, with more than 1,150 participants. Together, OceanaGold’s two volunteer mines rescue teams raised more than NZ$104,000, bringing the total contribution to over NZ$500,000 since the teams started participating in 2018. 

OceanaGold teams deliver strong fundraising performance 

The Sky Tower Challenge is demanding. Participants climb 1,103 steps across 51 flights, ascending 328 metres while carrying 25 kilograms of equipment. Many compete in the “donned and started” category, requiring them to carry and manage their own oxygen supply throughout the climb. 

This year, teams from our Waihī and Macraes Operations once again demonstrated their commitment through strong fundraising results. The Waihī Mines Rescue Team placed second overall, raising NZ$57,555, while the Macraes Emergency Response Team placed third in their category, raising NZ$47,472. 

For the second year in a row, Waihī team member Shay Perkinson placed third for individual fundraising, raising NZ$18,348, and the Waihī team was also the third fastest team on the day. 

A Growing Contribution Since 2020 

Since joining the event in 2018, OceanaGold teams have raised more than half a million New Zealand dollars for Blood Cancer New Zealand through participation in the Sky Tower Challenge. This sustained fundraising contribution has reflected OceanaGold’s values of Care and Teamwork, with employees, partners, and communities working together to support the health, resilience, and wellbeing of individuals and families affected by blood cancer. 

Commitment Beyond the Climb 

Speaking after the event, Waihī Mines Rescue Team Captain Jed Moriarty applauded the Waihī and Macraes teams commitment to compete in the “donned and started” category, saying, “Not only do we have to carry the oxygen we need to breathe, we also have to manage the speed we climb, and the exertion required so that we quite literally don’t run out of air on the way up”. 

“We train and maintain both our fitness and capability to be part of the on-site rescue and response team, and the Sky Tower event is part of that. But we could not raise the funds we do without the generous support of the many businesses and individuals who contribute to this cause. Together, we really do believe we are helping to make a difference.” 

Supporting Families and Local Communities 

In the same vein, Steve Renton, Captain Macraes Emergency Response Team was full of praise for the team and shared that the team is always on the lookout for new members who want to serve the site and their community. “The commitment our team shows, not just in the gruelling training leading up to the event, but in the time and energy each member dedicates to fundraising for Blood Cancer New Zealand, is something I'm incredibly proud of as Captain. We climb those stairs because we can, and we fundraise because we know it makes a real difference to people battling blood cancer. Our fundraising goes towards families across New Zealand, including in our own communities, and that's what brings us back year after year.” 

Steve Renton, Captain Macraes Emergency Response Team 

“Participating in the Sky Tower Challenge is just one of the awesome things our ERT members get to do. The team plays a vital role at our site and within the communities near Macraes, and I encourage anyone who is thinking about joining or who wants to make a difference to chat to their supervisor or another ERT member about signing up." 

Supporting Patients and Families Across New Zealand 

Blood Cancer New Zealand is the national organisation dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancer, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as related blood conditions. The organisation provides support services for patients and families across the country, delivers education and information, funds research, raises awareness, and advocates on behalf of those affected. 

The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge began in 2004 and is now in its twenty-second consecutive year. The event brings together firefighters and emergency responders for a physically demanding climb to raise funds for Blood Cancer New Zealand, combining fitness, teamwork, and community impact. 

Through initiatives such as the Sky Tower Challenge, OceanaGold continues to demonstrate how its people contribute beyond the workplace, supporting social outcomes, strengthening community connections, and helping to improve lives across New Zealand. 

Watch the round up video: