Friday 23 November 2012 – Wellington

The Co-operative Bank off to flying start for Birdman Wellington 2013

Registrations for Birdman Wellington are now open and the team at The Co-operative Bank are hoping the early bird in the competition catches the worm.

The annual “flying” competition on Wellington Anniversary Day, which sees costumed entrants launch themselves off Taranaki Wharf, is still two months away. But staff from the bank’s Wellington head office are already designing their flying suits.

It’s a new workplace venture for The Co-operative Bank, but Chief Executive Bruce McLachlan says it’s a great way for the proudly New Zealand-owned bank to give back to the community.

“The Co-operative Bank has recently partnered with Forest & Bird, an organisation with values closely aligned with ours. So with Forest & Bird as the official charity behind the event, Birdman has provided us a great opportunity to support them and raise funds for a worthy cause,” he says.

Bruce McLachlan encouraged other individuals and businesses to register now to allow time to create costumes and fundraise.

This is the first time not-for-profit Forest & Bird has organised the event Text Box: 1Staff from The Co-operative Bank getting their entry ready for Birdman Wellington 2013.and it has introduced an altruistic twist by encouraging entrants to fundraise.

Competition organiser Helen Ward says entrants will be given a personal webpage where they can engage with friends and family and collect donations for Forest & Bird online.

“We think Birdman is a fantastic way to celebrate New Zealand’s environment, have fun and raise much-needed funds.

“There are also some fantastic prizes on the day, and celebrity judges will decide who is crowned Birdman Wellington 2013.”

Birdman Wellington is open to individuals and teams. Eight to 12-year-olds will be able to jump from a sea-level platform in the special Birdkidz category.

The competition is part of a whole day of festivities along Wellington’s waterfront that will include markets, food stalls, live music and kids’ activities.

What: Birdman Wellington contest

Where: Taranaki Wharf, Wellington

When: Wellington Anniversary Day, Monday 21 January 2013

To register: www.birdman.org.nz

ends

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