Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge 2022

THE GREAT SCENIC STEPS CHALLENGE

During May, for two weeks, 14 well-known challengers strapped on their Fitbits and took to the streets and tracks of beautiful Aotearoa, competing to outstep each other for the diabetes cause.

Our challengers kept stepping right till the last minute, taking an incredible 3,284,400 steps in total, traversing 2502 kms, and raising more than $14,700.

They shared their journeys on radio, TV, and social media, while we cheered them on. Sometimes the leaderboard changed daily, and some fierce rivalries emerged. However, one competitor stormed forward to take an early lead and didn’t stop.

By the close of the Challenge, Tainui Live presenter Atawhai Edwards had cracked the previous Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge record by more than 100,000 steps – nearly 40,000 steps a day.

WINNER: ATAWHAI EDWARDS (NGĀTI KOROKI-KAHUKURA)

Type 2 diabetes is a cause close to the heart of Atawhai Edwards. Experiencing the loss of loved ones to the condition and seeing their suffering and that of their whānau has lit a fire inside her.

Atawhai wants to see better approaches to healthcare and interventions for Māori affected by type 2, and she’s determined to do everything she can to help combat the condition and its impact – starting with her own whānau.

Heather Verry presents Atawhai with the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge trophy at Pōhara Marae.

Diabetes NZ CEO Heather Verry presented Atawhai with the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge trophy at the 65th Poukai at Pōhara Marae on 19 June. She spoke of Atawhai’s achievements:

‘Atawhai started on day one determined to win. In total, Atawhai completed over half a million steps. She walked over 20 half marathons in two weeks.

‘As well as wearing her sneakers out, she took to the airwaves on Tainui Live to kōrero about the challenge and her personal journey, and also extended the kōrero via Instagram and Facebook.

‘Since the end of the Challenge two weeks ago, we’ve already heard of people who have been inspired by her to take on their own challenge.

‘She has made all of us at Diabetes NZ immensely proud to have her as a champion for diabetes awareness. Her mahi is vital not only to the wellbeing of this community but to all of Aotearoa.’

Atawhai Edwards is profiled in the winter 2021 issue of Diabetes Wellness.

Atawhai with her partner Jason and son Ihaia.

WHAT IS THE FITBIT MOVEMEANT CHALLENGE?

Diabetes NZ and Fitbit first ran the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge in 2015 as part of Diabetes Action Month, to drive awareness of how increased exercise, weight loss, and diet changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes and support people living with type 1 and 2.

A huge success, it became a standalone event in 2018. Celebrities, public figures, and business personalities across Aotearoa are invited to compete.

RUNNER-UP: ANA HUTCHINS

In the winter 2022 issue of Diabetes Wellness, we talked to Ana Hutchins, who shares her personal experiences with type 1 diabetes and kidney disease through her ‘T1 Kiwi’ Facebook and Instagram.

Ana’s total Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge step-count came very close to cracking the last Challenge’s record.

She says doing the Challenge was an amazing experience: ‘Wearing a Fitbit gave me such great insight into my daily life, along with many realisations. It's incredible how many times we mindlessly sit down when we could be getting in a few extra steps.’

Ana works as a nurse for an endodontist. She adds, ‘I’d thought I was on my feet a lot at work, but, in fact, I spend a good chunk of my day sedentary in surgery having to mentally be in the game more so than physically.

‘Being involved in a challenge against others was such a great motivator to get stepping, and I became more aware of opportunities I could take throughout my day to get my steps up. It was a lot of fun – and my kids thought it was great having me constantly up chasing them around.’

Ana says, ‘I get asked often for tips on exercise and diabetes. My only advice is, just start. Embrace the “trial and error” method, as every one of us is vastly different.

‘What works for me probably wouldn't work for you and vice versa. As long as you have your insulin on hand for those highs and glucose for those lows, just start and take note of how your sugar levels respond.’

Ana Hutchins

OUR OTHER INSPIRING CHALLENGERS

Throughout the Challenge, radio and TV presenter Mike Puru and business leader Sir Ralph Norris battled it out for third and fourth place – often trading places on the leaderboard daily. But Mike made a final push and took out third place by more than 4000 steps.

At the same time, Sir Ralph took the prize for most money raised by a single competitor – a whopping $7,800.

Adventurer and fitness influencer Fili Tapa came fifth, while another battle we watched closely was that between music power couple Abby Lee and Vince Harder. The Harders’ involvement with Diabetes NZ began when their youngest daughter, Presley, was diagnosed with type 1. It was Vince who took out sixth place in the end, with Abby in seventh.

Invercargill city councillor and Radio Southland manager Darren Ludlow, who has type 1 and a son who has type 1, came eighth.

Mike Puru

Sir Ralph Norris

THANK YOU

A massive thank you to the friends and supporters of Diabetes NZ who signed up for the Challenge and raised funds as well as diabetes awareness: Hon Peeni Henare, Mike Puru, Makaia Carr, Vince Harder, Abby Lee, David Seymour, Sir Ralph Norris, Atawhai Edwards, Chenyang Zhao, Ana Hutchins, Katie Parsons, Rachel Grunwell, Darren Ludlow, and Fili Tapa.

And, of course, thanks to everyone who donated!

READY TO FUNDRAISE IN SPRING

Three fun runs are coming up that always prove to be fantastic events for the diabetes cause. Join Team Diabetes and reach out to your networks to support your efforts.

ROTORUA MARATHON

Saturday, 17 September Rally your team and sign up to the run at: rotoruamarathon.co.nz.

Then, register to fundraise for Diabetes NZ as your chosen charity at: rotoruamarathon. gofundraise.co.nz.

BARFOOT & THOMPSON AUCKLAND MARATHON

Sunday, 30 October This is a big fundraiser for Diabetes NZ Youth Auckland. Every dollar raised by Team Diabetes will help young people living with diabetes in Tāmaki Makaurau.

For more information and to sign up, see: aucklandmarathon2022. grassrootz.com/diabetes-newzealand.

TAURANGA CITY TO SURF

Sunday, 6 November Diabetes Tauranga want to make sure their 2022 Diabetes Family Camp is affordable for all families and, as in previous years, are fundraising by taking part in Tauranga City to Surf.

Sign up to run or walk at cityto-surf2022.eventdesq.com and to fundraise at givealittle.co.nz/ event/dnz-city-to-surf-2022

CAN'T PARTICIPATE BUT WOULD LOVE TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO CAN?

Head to www.diabetes.org.nz/sweat-for-diabetes