Connecting through culture
Celebrating cultural diversity, Northpower strengthened organisational capability by connecting teams through Matariki, Diwali and Chinese New Year events.
Annual Report 2026
28 May 2026
Investing in wellbeing and connection
At Northpower, we know that strong performance starts with people who feel connected, supported and well. Creating opportunities for our team members to come together and challenge themselves, support one another and celebrate shared experiences is a deliberate part of how we invest in our wellbeing and culture.
This year, two events in Auckland brought this commitment to life: Hyrox Auckland and Round the Bays. Supported by our on‑site gym at the Auckland depot, both events became a platform for connection, confidence and collective effort.
Training together – building strength, connection and trust
Preparation for Hyrox began well before race day. Over a 10‑week training programme, members of our gym whānau trained side by side, working towards a shared goal.
With access to the Auckland depot gym, participants built strength, endurance and strategy, while also forming strong connections across teams. Training partnerships focused on communication and trust, knowing that success on the day would rely as much on teamwork as individual effort.
Gym members at all stages of their fitness journey were encouraged to join sessions, connect with others and be part of the momentum.
Showing up to the Hyrox event
When race weekend arrived, Northpower was proudly represented by four teams who took on the run–workout relay challenge with determination and heart.
Across two days, our teams completed 8km of running and eight functional workout stations, supported by an electric atmosphere and constant encouragement from fellow competitors, officials and supporters. From the arena floor to the outdoor running loops, the sense of shared energy was unmistakable.
The experience reinforced what it means to do hard things together, leaning on each other’s strengths, communicating clearly and celebrating every milestone along the way.
Moving to Round the Bays
The energy from Hyrox flowed seamlessly into one of Auckland’s most iconic community events known as Round the Bays.
With 295 Northpower entries, staff, partners, tamariki and supporters filled the waterfront in a wave of orange, bringing together walkers, joggers, runners, prams and dogs in tow. It was not about times or placings, but about showing up, having a go and enjoying the journey together.
Our team tent became a welcoming hub of manaakitanga, creating a space where everyone felt looked after and encouraged, from first‑timers to seasoned participants. The event was a celebration of wellbeing, whanaungatanga and connection, shared not only by our people but also by friends, family and the wider community.
For many, Round the Bays was a natural next step after Hyrox, creating a new goal, a fresh challenge, and another opportunity to move together.
A culture built on people
These events strengthened relationships across teams, sparked conversations and reinforced a shared sense of pride in who we are and how we show up for one another.
By providing access to training facilities, supporting inclusive goals, and embracing events that bring people together, we continue to build a workplace where wellbeing and connection are not add‑ons, but part of how we work.
More high performing teams case studies and articles...
Nobody goes it alone at Northpower
Strengthening wellbeing capability, Northpower’s Kaitiaki Network supported mental health through trained peer support, building connection and care across the organisation.
Creating learning opportunities
Through Whare Ako, Northpower strengthened workforce capability, delivering leadership programmes and learning pathways to support career growth and organisational performance.
