The traditional ‘Hole in One’ competition at this year’s New Zealand Open will once again benefit local Kiwi charities through the Hyundai Drive for Good campaign.
In the third year of sponsoring the NZ Open, Hyundai continues to use the tournament to give back, with three worthy charities having the chance to drive away with a stunning new Hyundai Kona Electric vehicle for their work in the community and all they have to do is hope one of the 312 players competing scores a hole in one.
As a 100% Kiwi owned and operated business Hyundai New Zealand is committed to supporting things Kiwis care about (such as golf), as well as supporting worthy charities.
As well as the golfers playing a major role in the donation of a Hyundai Kona Electric, the general public can also be involved by choosing the charity that the car should go to, whilst having the chance to win a weekend getaway with a Kona Electric themselves.
Extending their involvement beyond the New Zealand Open, last year Hyundai announced their partnership with New Zealand Golf. Hyundai New Zealand General Manager Andy Sinclair said he was excited about the impact Hyundai has on communities around the country through this extended partnership.
“Golf has one of the highest participation rates in New Zealand and we’re excited to find creative new ways to reach the sport’s passionate fan base,” Andy Sinclair said.
The three charities vying to win the Hyundai Drive for Good promotion include Sustainable Coastlines, Barnardos New Zealand and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Sustainable Coastlines aim to free beaches from litter, restore waterways through planting trees and provide education to help people look after the places they love.
Dan Downing, Programmes Manager for Sustainable Coastlines said they want to enable all Kiwis to look after the coastlines and waterways that they love.
“We’re super grateful to anyone who can support us to do that, so we’re stoked that Hyundai New Zealand selected us as one of their Drive for Good charities,” Dan Downing said.
“We function country-wide, driving to beach clean-ups, tree-planting sites, and schools to educate children on plastic pollution and the issues facing our rivers. We’re on a journey to be as sustainable as possible, and having a Kona Electric would make a world of difference, not only to our operating costs, but to our goal of being more sustainable.”
Barnardos is Aotearoa’s national children’s charity working every day around the motu, making positive change in the lives of children and their families and whānau.
Mike Munnelly, Chief Executive, Barnardos said they are delighted to be a Hyundai New Zealand Drive for Good charity for 2020, alongside two other worthy charities.
“Every day, all around Aotearoa, Barnardos works with children and young people to support them to shine bright – we believe in the potential of every child,” Mike Munnelly said.
“If Barnardos is fortunate to be the winner of the Kona Electric, it will enable our staff to visit some of Aotearoa’s most in-need children, young people and their families and whānau in their homes. The electric car will also help Barnardos continue our journey to becoming more sustainable in our practices as we work every day to help tamariki to shine bright.”
The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand (MHF) is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where everyone can enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing, throughout the ups and downs of life.
Shaun Robinson, Chief Executive of MHF said his organisation is excited to be one of three charities with the chance to win the Hyundai Drive for Good campaign at this year’s New Zealand Golf Open.
“Having an electric vehicle would enable us to continue our mahi of going out to communities across Aotearoa to promote our resources and talk with them about what support they need to live well,” Shaun Robinson said.
“People are increasingly concerned about climate change and this is impacting on many people anxiety; so to be able to do our work in an eco-efficient and responsible way is very important to us.”
Alongside the Drive for Good competition, Hyundai will have a number of activities occurring across the NZ Open site over the four days.
The Hyundai NZ Futures Festival of Golf will allow kids the opportunity to learn new skills, play games and take part in lots of fun activities with coaches available to provide support and guidance on the Saturday morning before the days play.
The Public Village will be home to the Golden Golf Ball competition where you can win instant prizes if you find the golf ball sticker hidden in one of the three cars on display.
Thirsty spectators will be able to fill up their drink bottles from one of two NEXO Hydration Stations in the Public Village and on the 13th hole.
Lucky Hyundai owners will be rewarded with a special car park at Millbrook Resort as well as free coffee and ice cream at the 13th hole.
The Hyundai Drive For Good campaign will be held on the par-three 13th hole at Millbrook Resort during the NZ Open and those wishing to vote for their favourite charity to drive away with a Hyundai Kona Electric can visit this website here.
