Calling volunteers for Crankworx Rotorua

Put your hand up and get amongst the thick of the Crankworx Rotorua action next year as a volunteer, with applications now open for a number of volunteer roles.

Crankworx is the world’s largest mountain biking festival and it will be in Rotorua from 25 – 29 March, 2015 featuring the best pro-athletes as well as competitions, concerts and culture.

The Crankworx Rotorua team are looking for enthusiastic people – bike-minded or not – to fill 250 positions and contribute to the world’s biggest mountain biking event, ultimately cementing Rotorua’s place on the world stage as a premier mountain biking destination.

Volunteer days run from March 19 to March 30, including event preparation and set-up, actual event competition days and final pack-up. Volunteers must be available for at least three days over the two-week period, including two days during the event itself.

Despite the nature of the event, there is no prerequisite to be a mountain biker yourself or even own a bike for that matter, with a variety of positions available – from indoor to outdoor, social to a little more solitary.

Event director Tak Mutu says volunteer opportunities are a great way for more people to get involved in the atmosphere of one of the planet’s largest sports festivals.

“Come and get amongst the action and contribute to this world-class event. It’s not often New Zealand has the chance to host a competition of this calibre, so if you’re keen, excited and hard-working, come and rub shoulders with some of the world’s top mountain bike athletes and be a part of history in the making.

“Let us know if you have any skills that we can put to good use, such as first aid qualifications, vehicle licences, admin skills, previous event experience, camera operators, tour guides, chefs, poker players, you name it – if you’re a good sort, we’d love to hear from you.”

Tak says being part of a game-changing experience surrounded by like-minded people who have a positive energy is what being a Crankworx Rotorua volunteer is all about.

Volunteer positions include Sport Crews, responsible for looking after operations during the event, Admin Crews, who will help out with duties such as regos and accreditation, Expo Crews and Hosts.

Shifts range anywhere from two to 12 hours, with a preliminary schedule due for release three weeks prior to the event confirming shift lengths and crew assignment. The minimum age to volunteer is 16, while under 18’s are required to submit a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

The awesome bunch of volunteers will receive a stylish Crankworx t-shirt and attend a wrap-up party in their honour on Sunday, 29 March, with cool prizes up for grabs.

Potential volunteers can register online on the Crankworx website. For more volunteer information and FAQs go to http://www.crankworx.com/rotorua/info/volunteers