Driving for CATWALK

New Zealand Long Black and Long Drive Champion -

Nick Hanna, Richie McCaw & Kian Ford, Grid Manager

A proud day to see the New Zealand Long Blacks supporting the inaugural Catwalk Golf Tournament at the home of CATWALK - Wainui Golf Club. An incredible event with A list celebrities and the best in business all dedicated to CATWALK who raise awareness and fund ongoing research for Spinal Cord Injury - Cure. I know that CATWALK is appreciative to everyone who supported and attended the CatWalk Golf Open on the 6th October 2022. Over $68,000 was raised through the players, raffle and auction, which is an amazing achievement.

There seems to be a real diverse range of reasons why this charity is close to home. We all know someone that has suffered from spinal injury, be it on the sports field, via accidents, or in general through serious health issues. For the New Zealand Long Blacks who are in a high-performance sport where back injuries seems to be more prevalent, CATWALK was of great interest for our team to get behind. Organically we were drawn to supporting this great charity from the first conversation and the incredible warmth from the whole team at CATWALK made us feel part of the family. The New Zealand Long Blacks are focused on making CATWALK part of the Regional and National Growth Program which begins in 2023. The sport of Long Drive (amatuer) and Xtreme Drivers League (professional) is about to go full swing into the year with plans to educate, entertain and partner with clubs and businesses to grow the game. OPTISHOT has partnered with the New Zealand Long Blacks who will be launching software for particiapation in the sport. A world first and ready this December for the Trans Tasman Clash in Port Douglas where the Men in Black take on the Aussie Long Ballers.

Ali Williams eyeing up the grid for his drive with

New Zealand Long Black Nick Hanna

All players braved the cold blitz that struck most of the country and with the unlimited food and beverages being supplied, everyone was well equipped throughout the whole day. The CATWALK Golf Open certainly was one of our most memorable Golf Tournaments on and off the tee. The owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks, Olna Ford is driven to support CATWALK with all ongoing plans for the sport and the National Team of BIG Hitters.

Hole 14 - The New Zealand Long Blacks promoting the Longest Drive for the Cure

The fun continued on the 19th hole with the auction being a real hit for CATWALK. Incredible auction items and plenty on great bids to make the day a true success for the charity. Applauds to all the staff who we know have poured so much time and energy into organising such an event. The event was WORLD CLASS and one that has created much interest. The 2023 event already highlighted on the New Zealand Long Blacks calendar and with this the National Team wish to put up some important and valuable items for auction. The New Zealand Long Blacks were nominated for a Halberg in 2021 and Captain of the Womens team receiving a Queens Honour in 2022 which has created history for sport globally. The national team also looking to raise awareness and funds for CATWALK from 2023 with a heartfelt dedicated to the organisation. Olna is thankful to the team at CATWALK for reaching out to her and looks forward to an everlasting relationship that is fruitful for the cause.

Drinks time #Batched

New Zealand Long Black and XDL Champion Nick Hanna

Teeing up with Richie McCaw

Love the humour in the room

The Green Jacket Winners

I think the amount of humour and smiles from the day could light up the nation. A brilliant feel good event with much to talk about for years to come. The auction items and raffle prizes were all top notch with the outcome for CATWALK bringing much cheer. With a national hero and the nations son - Ritchie McCaw being at the forefront of CATWALK, it’s easy to see how important this charity is drawing to it the most influential partners.

Auction time

The fabulous Grant Sharman