Happy Birthday Auckland Bridge Climb!

Media Release

13 December 2002

Happy Birthday Auckland Bridge Climb!

It is one year since Auckland Bridge Climb opened its doors and began guided climbs on the city's distinctive Harbour Bridge. During its first year of operation around 12,000 people have climbed the Harbour Bridge and enjoyed sweeping views of the city and the Waitemata harbour.

"It's been a great first year and we're thrilled with the support we've received from Aucklanders and visitors alike," says Iain Leitch, Marketing Manager.

Over the year Auckland Bridge Climb has hosted climbers as young as seven years and as old as 84 years. Climbers have braved the Bridge in winds of up to 125km/hr and have climbed in all conditions except for hail and electrical storms.

Four couples became engaged while on the Bridge Climb and one couple was married on the Bridge.

Nine celebrities tested their speed and bravery in the Yellow Ribbon Climb for Life over the Bridge Climb in July: Charlotte Dawson, Ant Strachan, Marc Ellis, Green Man and Johno from The Rock radio station, Joe Stanley, Bridget Saunders (Sunday Star Times columnist), Robin Brooke and Matt Mitchell (Team NZ). Matt won the race by running the climb path in just over 10 minutes.

Other notable climbers in the past year include: Rt Hon Helen Clark; The Cookie Monster on his Worldwide Cookie Hunt; Team NZ syndicate members; Canadian Ice Hockey team members; Captains of the Auckland Blues and North Harbour NPC teams for the lead up to the Battle of the Bridge; Miss World NZ pageant contestants; NZ Deaf World Cup Rugby team; Wales Deaf World Cup Rugby team; American punk band Sum 41 and NZ band Rubicon.

On September 11 the Mayor of Auckland John Banks accompanied US consulate representatives on a Bridge Climb for the dawn raising of the American flag to mark the anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The Warriors flag was raised by Auckland Bridge Climb prior to the NRL final.

Auckland Bridge Climb has also hosted a number of charity climbs over the past year, including a climb for South Auckland children in underprivileged circumstances who were achieving very highly in school.

Mr Leitch says the company's Climb Leaders are a wonderful group of people who enrich the Bridge Climb experience.

"Our climbers experience a unique perspective on the City of Sails. Climbers rave about the stories told and the camaraderie experienced with other climbers. We know from feedback received that the Bridge Climb creates lasting memories for everyone who gives it a go."

The company is celebrating its birthday month with promotions, giveaways and special deals throughout December.

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