In charge of one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting venues, Nick Sautner relishes the chance to stay active. The CEO of Eden Park knows when he prioritises looking after his body and mind through exercise, he’s at his best. And he wants his staff to feel the same so they too can be at their best – inside and outside of work.
Passionate about the Eden Park team being able to maintain a balanced lifestyle, Nick signed his staff up to the ASICS 2x5 Habit for 2022 where his staff are encouraged to complete 2 x 5km activities each week.
“Too often, work consists of sitting in front of a computer for eight hours a day. While there may be some instances where this is necessary, it’s not healthy and we need to look for ways to increase our activity. I strongly believe it will lead to increased mental health and greater productivity.”
Having played 260 Aussie Football matches in the Victorian Football League (VFL) player (with five premierships to his name), Nick has always led and valued an active life. Finding time to exercise now with work and family commitments Nick admits is a challenge. A challenge he’s accepted with the full gusto he lives his life by.
Morning, lunchtime, evening runner?
Morning.
Favourite pre-run and post-run snack/meal?
Toasted ham, cheese, tomato, pesto, and red onion sandwich.
Outside of your shoes, what’s one running essential you can’t go without?
Running partner to get me out of bed!
Best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?
Regularity and Consistency are key.
Running Solo or Running in a group?
Running with work colleagues.
Music, Podcast, or your own thoughts?
Thoughts
In 3 words how would you describe yourself as a runner?
Love it seaside.
Favourite running route in NZ?
Tamaki Drive, St Heliers.
Weekly running distance?
Ideally 2 x 6-8km
I run because….
Keeping healthy and prepared for when my 1 and 3-year-old girls start running!
Where does your mind tend to wander while running?
I love the beauty and freedom of running along the water. It reminds you how lucky you are to live in New Zealand!
What’s your #1 way of maintaining a sound mind?
Keeping active along with my wife (Eliza), daughters (Anastasia and Amelia), and miniature
schnauzer (Heidi)!
Favourite ASICS shoe?
ASICS GEL-KAYANO
When Eden Park hosts an event like a Bledisloe Cup rugby match or a music concert, staff could be working up to 60hours that week in the lead-up. Some staff will have more active roles than others and being able to be flexible with exercise options in and around work Nick says is important.
You may find Nick running up the Eden Park stairs with workmates at lunchtime and there’s an onsite gym that staff are welcome to use before or after work as well as lunch breaks. Having walking meetings has become another strategy for Eden Park staff to tick off their 2x5km Habit goals.
“I’ve taken such pleasure in seeing many of our staff engaging in walking meetings. It’s all about encouraging and offering these opportunities to be more active - then letting our staff decide for themselves if this is something they are keen to be involved with.”
With challenges seemingly ongoing (particularly in the events industry), Nick knows firsthand how important mental resilience is and will continue to be for him and his staff. Identifying and supporting the role physical activity plays in building resilience is crucial to ensure he has a happy & healthy workplace.
“Being aware of how I’m feeling, both mentally and physically, is critical so I can continue to give back to those around me. Exercise puts me in a great place to be able to do that.”
Interested in how you could get your workplace involved in the 2x5 Habit for the remainder of 2022? Reach out to info@asics.co.nz if you have a team of 20+ staff who are keen to get fitter together.