13 October 2026
ASB joins Round the Bays as 2027 season kicks off
Stuff Events has announced a major new partnership with ASB as its national series of Southern Cross Round the Bays kicks off.
Winner of the recent Event Sponsorship of the Year at the 2026 New Zealand Event Awards for its partnership with NZ Police, Stuff Events runs the Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch Round the Bays series, with 2027 marking 55 years since the first event.
Stuff Events Acting Director Jonathan Paul says the new ASB partnership will create an ASB Joggers category, an example of the fun runs' focus on how everyday Kiwis can make progress with their fitness.
"Events are a brilliant way for brands such as ASB to bring their campaigns to life, connecting with Kiwis out in the community in a fun and meaningful way," he says.
"Expect to see some seriously impactful activations with our partners next year, as we bring to life a 2027 Round the Bays theme of 'legendary'."
ASB's Executive General Manager Business Banking, Ben Speedy, says the partnership brings the bank's purpose of accelerating progress to life through movement, connection and community.
"Alongside our partnerships with Athletics New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Round the Bays helps us create opportunities for more New Zealanders to get active, connect with their communities and take the next step towards their goals.
"Through the partnership, we'll unlock access to events across the country for customers and our own kaimahi, create memorable experiences on event day, and raise vital funds for Youthline's 24/7 Helpline," says Speedy.
Registrations for the events, which this year attracted 45,000 participants, opened this week. Southern Cross retains its naming rights for the fifth year, with other sponsors including The Athletes Foot, Celsius, Swisse, Chemist Warehouse, Runna and Mediaworks.
Next year's events will for the first time feature a Guided Athlete start group, in collaboration with Achilles NZ, who aim to make running events accessible for anyone with a disability.
2027 dates:
- Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington on February 14
- Ōtautahi Christchurch on February 21
- Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on March 7
