Events

Frequently Asked Questions

How is money raised?
Each team member is expected to solicit donations to a total of $100 or more for their team effort. Therefore, if a team has 12 members, they should raise at least $1,200. All donations are collected before the event, which saves you having to go back after the event and collect the money. Donations are receipted on request by the Cancer Society. A Relay For Life homepage will also be set up for team members to help with your fundraising.

You will also be able to track your online sponsorships from your own Relay For Life homepage. It couldn't be easier.

Who Can form a Team?
Relay For Life is open to everyone in the community. Teams can be formed from businesses, hospitals, schools, churches and family and friends. Teams comprise of 10 – 15 people who take turns at keeping their baton moving for 24 hours, while a party atmosphere is created with entertainment, camping out and lots of spot prizes.

What is the Registration Fee?
Each team member is required to pay a registration/commitment fee. This amount is used to defray the costs of the administration and registration expenses, including postage of kits and Relay For Life T-Shirts. The team registration fee is often paid by the company/employer if they are sponsoring the team.

What is Bank Night?
Bank night takes place in the week of the Relay as part of the team captains meeting. All donations collected are to be handed to your team captain at this time. Team Captains can then bank this money prior to the event. Returning the donations prior to the event is vital to help reduce the amount of cash at the venue. The Relay For Life T-shirts will also be available at the Bank Night.

What is the Survivors Lap?
The opening lap of Relay For Life is dedicated to cancer survivors. We honour survivors for their courage, strength and victory over cancer, as they lead the way in the first lap of the event, proudly wearing ribbon slashes. Caregivers and family are welcome to join them also. The rest of the teams line the track and applaud as official opening lap music is played.

All cancer survivors are welcome whether they belong to a team or not. Participants include those who are now cancer free, and those who are currently undergoing treatment. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are a survivor each and every day. The Cancer Society of New Zealand along with the community would love to honour all cancer survivors at the opening Ceremony.

What is the Candlelight Service?
At dusk (usually around 10pm) the inside of the track is illuminated with hundreds of candle tributes, each inscribed prominently with a personal message. Each candle tribute is lit in honour and support of someone fighting cancer or in memory of loved ones. A short service, some music and a two-minute period of silence follows. As the participants walk through the night, the candle tributes remind and inspire them that the fight against cancer is about people in their community. It is a moving ceremony and pays great tribute to our friends and loved ones who have battled or continue to battle cancer.

Can children be part of the team?
Relay For Life is a family event, so children are very welcome to attend. Adults must supervise any teams under 18 years of age at all times.

What happens if it’s raining?
Relay For Life goes on rain, hail or shine. Dress appropriately! It will still be great fun. There is usually some shelter at the track, but bring appropriate wet weather gear just in case!

Do we have to stay all night?
Ideally, at least six people from your team should stay for the night stint, with fresh team members arriving first thing in the morning to relieve them.  Teams endeavour to have at least one team member to be on the track at all times.

Many people have commented that the night stint is actually one of the most beautiful parts of Relay For Life. The PA is turned off at about 11 pm (due to curfew), but people continue to make their own fun playing cards and board games, getting out guitars or listening to Walkmans. Those who are tired can catch a few hours sleep in their tent, while others stay up encouraging members who are on the track.

It is essential for teams to endeavour to have at least one team member to be on the track at all times, so discretion in rostering these shifts is important. Walking with a partner for the midnight to dawn shift is a great idea. All team members are encouraged to come to the track for the opening and closing ceremonies and take part in the full-team walks.

What do I do with my Valuables?
You are responsible for your own belongings. Either wear a ‘bum bag’ or leave your valuables at home.

Do we have to camp?
All or part of your team may choose to camp out, or you may use your allocated camping space as a meeting place. You don't have to rough it. Mattresses and camp beds are fine. Caravans and campervans may be okay – please check with your Venue Committee. Remember to bring warm sleeping bags and rugs, deck chairs and torches.

Will the campsites be powered?
The campsites are generally not powered.

Are vehicles allowed on the track?
No. Cars, campervans, bicycles and roller blades/skateboards are permitted on the track. The only ‘vehicles’ allowed on the track are wheelchairs or strollers.

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately site restrictions do not allow pets of any kind other than those accompanying the sight impaired.

Will food be available?
Breakfast will be provided by the Relay For Life organisers—but please bring your own plate, spoon and mug. Free tea and coffee will be available throughout the event. Most venues will have food vendors present who will have meals and snacks available for sale during mealtime, but otherwise we suggest you provide all of your own food.

Will first aid be available?
All events will have a team of qualified First Aid officers in attendance for the entire event, but it is recommended that each team has its own first aid kit.

Free massages are generally available at most venues.

Known issues with email donations
When donation emails are sent out they are occasionally blocked by business or company firewalls. Unfortunately the Cancer Society has no control over this. If a donation request email is blocked and the recipient queries this, ask them for an alternative address if possible and resend the request. Most home emails do not have the same level of Firewall security as businesses or companies.