RaboPlus - BikeNZ partnership's big win at sports awards

Now riding into its second year, the RaboPlus sponsorship of BikeNZ was recognised at New Zealand’s Sport and Recreation (SPARC) awards this week in Wellington, winning the commercial partnership award and being held up as an example of best practice for its contribution to the sports sector.

Mike Heath, General Manager of RaboPlus, said the partnership with BikeNZ is a good fit for the online savings and investment bank, and their joint achievements are reflected in this award.

“We are excited about the ongoing successes of our partnership with BikeNZ. We have supported them through the launch of their online membership community
Ridestrong and we’ve celebrated with them the achievements of their cycling world champions. This commercial partnership award is another shared highlight,” says Mike Heath.

Chief Executive of BikeNZ, Kieran Turner, says the partnership emphasizes shared values of excellence and community, and it delivers mutual benefit for both parties.

“In RaboPlus we have a partner that is committed to the development and success of cycling in New Zealand, and to getting more people excited about cycling as a highly rewarding sport and recreation,” he says.

“We’re immensely proud of our joint achievements to date. Together we’ve delivered bigger events that attract nationwide attention such as the RaboPlus Elite Road Championships, brought more international cycling events to Kiwi televisions, launched the world’s first recreational cycling ranking, and developed a valuable recreational cycling community in RideStrong.”

The judging panel said the winning partnership was an example for other organisations to follow.

“[BikeNZ] formed a partnership with RaboPlus which went beyond dollars. The benefits to both partners were outstanding and provided an example for how others in the sector could similarly succeed.”

SPARC chief executive Peter Miskimmin said: “Sport and recreation is a dynamic sector to be involved in and it is important we recognise and celebrate the success of those who are running world class events, showing leadership, and inspiring Kiwis to participate and win in sport and recreation.”