Thanks to support from local businesses, Whakatāne’s Fit Chix Oxfam Trailwalker team is currently the top fundraiser for next year's event.

Fit Chix team members have raised close to $4,000, putting them at the top of the fundraising leader board out of the 90 teams registered to date. Team leader Maja Mihelic said it was all due to support from local businesses and a lot of hard work from the team.

"We have been amazed at the support we’ve received from businesses in our community. Over 55 local businesses have sponsored us to date and we’ve also had great support from our sausage sizzles, raffles, catering and other events. Due to this incredible support, we’ve upped our fundraising target to $10,000. It would be amazing if we made it! It certainly gives us great motivation for our 50-kilometre walk and it’s for a wonderful cause."

The Fit Chix team members are Maja Mihelic, Jo Finlay, Renay Jones and Nadine Gray, with support crew Diane Plant and Dallas Maclean.

Oxfam Trailwalker began in New Zealand in 2006 and is part of an international series with 17 events held in 11 countries. Money raised from the events goes towards fighting poverty and inequality.

Next year's event takes place in Whakatāne from 10-11 March, attracting teams from across the country. It is the third time the event will be based in Whakatāne and participants can choose to complete a 100- or 50-kilometre walk.

Oxfam New Zealand aims to have 300 teams registered for next year’s event.  For those interested in registering a team, an information evening will be held at the Whakatāne i-SITE on Thursday 9 November, from 6-7pm. The Oxfam team will also have an information tent at Rex Morpeth Park during Toi's Challenge on Sunday 12 November.

Find out more about Oxfam Trailwalker or make a donation to team FitChix.