Headway Calls For Urgent Action To Stop “Run It Straight”

Brain injury charity says the events pose a real risk of brain injury and lifelong disability

Headway is raising urgent concerns about the Run It Straight events scheduled to take place across Auckland this month, calling them “dangerous spectacles” with a very real risk of traumatic brain injury or death.

“These events are not sport. They’re commercialised violence targeting the most vulnerable in our community,” said Stacey Mowbray, CEO. “We see the lifelong impact of brain injury every day. This is not entertainment. It’s a public health and safety crisis waiting to happen.”

While concussions are often dismissed as mild or temporary, Headway notes that even so-called “minor” brain injuries can lead to long-term mental health challenges, reduced capacity to work, and serious impacts on whānau. The organisation says the format and promotion of the Run It Straight events appear to deliberately target financially vulnerable people by offering large prize pools up to $20,000.

“It's tough to say no to that kind of money when you’re struggling but it’s unacceptable to use financial hardship as leverage to expose people to brain injury,” said Mowbray.

Headway also questions how these events were permitted. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, organisers must manage risks “so far as is reasonably practicable.” Based on the scientific evidence on brain trauma, Headway believes these risks cannot be reasonably mitigated—especially not by the superficial measures promoted by organisers.

“The claim that onsite doctors and mouthguards are sufficient to make this safe is deeply misleading,” said the spokesperson. “These do not prevent brain injury.”

Earlier this month, Headway raised the issue with Auckland Council, the Mayor’s office, Councillors, MPs, and WorkSafe New Zealand. Responses to date have been unsatisfactory, and the organisation will now be submitting an Official Information Act request to determine how permits were issued and what risk assessments, if any, were reviewed.

The largest of the upcoming events is being held at Trusts Arena. Headway is particularly concerned about the involvement of Chanel Harris-Tavita as a special guest and have contacted the New Zealand Warriors to express concern about his endorsement of the event.

Headway has also contacted Auckland Rugby Union and Auckland Rugby League to understand how an affiliated rugby club and rugby league club could also host smaller versions of Run it Straight.

“We urge venue operators, local authorities, and sports bodies to act now,” said the spokesperson. “These events carry serious, lasting harm—and those enabling them share responsibility.”

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