Hiwa Functional Games

When: Saturday 9 May 9am kickoff
Where: Hiwa, Recreation Centre: primarily Sports Hall 2 and the indoor running track

The course takes you through six functional movement stations with 300‑metre runs between each and a fast final sprint to finish. Teams work together to complete the course, sharing movements and supporting each other throughout.

The format is designed to be achievable for beginners while remaining engaging for those with more training experience, with clear guidance and modifications available where needed. The emphasis is on participation, effort and teamwork, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the challenge at their own pace. 

What to expect on the day

The event will be run in heats, with specific heat times sent via email closer to the event date. The first heat will begin at 9am, with five pairs competing in each heat. Please arrive early, fully warmed up and ready to compete. A dedicated warm-up area will be available. Heats will run strictly to schedule, so it’s essential to be prepared ahead of your assigned start time. More detailed timing and heat information will be shared closer to the event. The event should take 30-45 minutes to complete.

Course format

Participants will complete a six station course that includes running and functional fitness movements. Teams will complete the following stations in order:  

• Run 300m 
• 60 lateral burpees over line  
• Run 300m
• 60 plate snatches  
• Run 300m 
• 800m row  
• Run 300m 
• 60 deadball reverse lunges  
• Run 300m 
• 60 sandbag thrusters  
• Run 300m 
• 800m ski  
• Sprint to the finish  

Coaches will be present throughout the event to provide guidance and offer movement modifications where appropriate.  

Map of stations will be uploaded closer to event date.

Team participation

The event is completed in teams of two. Teams move through all stations together and may share the workload between teammates.

Who can join? 

Participants must enter in pairs. Each pair must include at least one Hiwa member. The second participant may be:

• another Hiwa member 
• a University of Auckland student 
• a University of Auckland staff member 
• a community member  

Fee: $45 per team.  

To support participants preparing for the Hiwa Functional Games, we are offering functional training workshops for $5 per session, designed to build confidence and familiarity with the movements used in the event.

Sessions run twice a week, with the same workshop delivered on Thursdays and Saturdays, starting Thursday 2 April. The workshop content will change weekly, noting that content will be the same for the two sessions held each week.

Schedule

• Thursdays 5.15-6.15pm 
• Saturdays 10-11am  

This offer is optional and open to participants of all experience levels who would like additional preparation ahead of the event.