Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge is BACK for 2018

Some of the country’s most famous faces and top business minds are stepping up to the plate this February for the Diabetes NZ annual Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge.

Every year Diabetes NZ with champion sponsor, Fitbit NZ partners with prominent New Zealanders to help drive awareness of diabetes in New Zealand through the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge. It was founded as part of Diabetes Action Month as one way to highlight the importance of movement and physical activity in both prevention and management of the condition. 

The Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge will run across the month of February. Stay tuned to Diabetes NZ Facebook and Instagram for updates, winners and competitions any one can take part in with great prizes! Better still; show your support for one or more of our participants by donating to their individual fundraising pages on Givealittle .

Back with an exciting line up for 2018, the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge aims to raise awareness of diabetes in NZ and promote an active lifestyle.

Read more about our competitors below:

Art Green

Diabetes NZ’s favourite ex-bachelor is lending a hand this year with his extensive health and fitness knowledge. With a strong social media following, reality TV profile and active lifestyle, the pace Art sets will make him a strong contender for the champion title! Art is the face of Fitbit NZ and is passionate about living an active lifestyle with his own business ventures including Clean Paleo and Plate Up. 

Brett Renall

Brett is passionate about raising awareness of diabetes in New Zealand. He was diagnosed at the age of 6 with type 1. He caused waves last year after speaking about his journey with diabetes on the popular ‘Married at First Sight’ reality TV show. He’s the ultimate good guy and his passion for the cause will shine through!

Angel Renall

Brett’s other half, the always smiling Angel Renall will be going head to head against her new husband in the Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge. Angel’s infectious positivity and support of her husband’s diabetes shone through her time on ‘Married at First Sight’ last year, and we expect to see great things coming from her in the challenge. 

Toni Street

As one of New Zealand’s most recognisable faces, Toni Street is putting her famous feet forward for a good cause this February. After starring alongside Mike Hosking until recently, we know she knows how to hold her own, and will be a force to be reckoned with in her walking shoes!

Mark Richardson

Mark has a serious competitive streak, and the athletic ability to match. He won’t pull any punches to get to the top! Mark is a presenter on the popular breakfast programme The AM Show, and as a former New Zealand cricketer and overall sports enthusiast, he will be a tough competitor. 

Mel Homer

As a previous competitor, Mel is a long-time friend of Diabetes NZ. She hosts The Café, alongside Mike Puru. She has a very recognisable voice, after spending 15 years on nationwide radio stations, and can be heard on Mix 98.2 in Auckland. Her enthusiasm for the cause will mean she will be putting her best foot forward to outdo her competitors! 

Rachel Grunwell

Rachel is passionate about health and wellbeing. She is an award-winning writer, speaker, columnist as well as a qualified yogi and social influencer. Rachel walks the talk living an active lifestyle, and at last count had completed 19 marathons! Expect to see big steps from Rachel as she heads into the competition for diabetes in 2018.

Nickson Clarke

Living with type 2 diabetes himself, Nickson successfully manages his condition with a healthy lifestyle. A former competitor in this annual challenge, Nickson knows the competition will be fierce! He is a breakfast presenter on Mai FM and uses his media profile to raise awareness of diabetes by telling his own story. He has already proven in the past what a formidable opponent he is, so stay tuned to see his journey this February!

Sam Wallace

Sam is quick to share his loveable nature and cheekiness on both TV and radio. Working on The Hits alongside Toni Street, will they clash in competition or work together to up their steps? Our money is on the former! We forsee some fighting talk from Sam as he heads into the challenge for the second time.

Hamish Walker

Hamish is MP for Clutha-Southland, and as a politician is a big supporter of his local community.  Hamish clocks up a lot of steps pounding the pavements and meeting his constituents. His natural competitive edge will come to the fore in this challenge. Hamish is proud to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, so we expect some pretty spectacular walking track suggestions!

Sir Eion Edgar

A keen philanthropist, Sir Eion is patron of Diabetes NZ and big on giving back to New Zealand. Sir Eion is Chairman of Forsyth Barr, and has an enviable career with former positions including Chancellor of the University of Otago, Chairman of the New Zealand Stock Exchange and President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee. 

Andrew Barnes

Andrew is the Founder of Perpetual Guardian and a former Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge champion. He’s back in 2018 to reclaim his title! A natural leader, Andrew has held senior positions in the UK and NZ. An active lifestyle is important to Andrew, and he has implemented a strong health and wellbeing programme at his company. 

Dr Lee Mathias

Dr Lee Mathias has worked in health services for over 40 years, and understands the importance of staying active. Dr Lee was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and is a Chartered Fellow Institute of Directors in New Zealand. She currently chairs Unitec and the Health Promotion Agency and is a Director of Pictor Limited, Health Alliance NZ Ltd, the Health Innovation Hub and a Board member of ADHB.

Mitchell Brown

An area commander for the Fire Service and a district leader for Rotary New Zealand, Mitchell set himself high goals. He is keen on engaging young people, and will use his position in Rotary New Zealand to raise awareness of diabetes through this competition. A busy workload won’t keep Mitchell away from giving his all to the MoveMeant Challenge, and his steps may outstep them all. 

Mike Clement

Mike is Deputy Commissioner Nation Operations for New Zealand Police. From his time working undercover to being part of the investigating team for major operations, Mike is no stranger to pressure. Holding one of the more senior offices in the New Zealand Police, Mike Clement is an exciting addition to the line-up for 2018.

Richard Chambers

Richard is the Assistant Commissioner: Investigations for the New Zealand Police. Starting as a constable in Avondale, Auckland, Richard has held a wide range of frontline jobs. He is also a qualified detective and holds an Executive Masters in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Commerce. Richard will be going up against his colleague Mike Clement to step off for this years challenge

Sir Ralph Norris

A New Zealand banker and businessman, Sir Ralph Norris is certainly well known and very well respected. Being named a ‘Sir’ after becoming a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Sir Ralph is arriving in a suit of knight’s armour to save the day in this year’s MoveMeant Challenge. Sir Ralph has held many leadership positions in top companies including Fletcher Building, Contact Energy, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and ASB. We look forward to watching Sir Ralph in action for the Diabetes NZ Fitbit MoveMeant Challenge for 2018.