This year’s Christmas function was nothing short of spectacular! We swapped our workpapers for target practice and headed to Beretta at Bracu Estate, just an hour of drive from the DVA office. Located in an olive plantation, the venue was perfect for a relaxed team activity with a touch of nature and adventure.
Being on the opposite side of Auckland, a couple of teammates offered to drive, so we all piled into one car. The journey to the venue was just as fun as the activities, with some team members sharing quirky travel stories (even a few paranormal ones!) along the way.
We kicked off the day with a lovely platter on arrival, which was a treat while waiting for our lunch at 2 PM.
Rain? No Problem!
Weather hasn’t always been on our side for Christmas functions, and this year was no exception. But the rain didn’t stop us! We embraced the drizzle and dove into clay target shooting, knife throwing, air rifle shooting, and even frisbee golf.
We were surprised with a couple of standout performances. Justin kicked things off with clay target shooting, impressing everyone with his sharpshooting skills. His witty remark? “Thanks for introducing me to gun violence!”.
John stole the show with his exceptional knife-throwing and frisbee golf prowess. For some team members, it was their first time holding a gun and they surprised us all with their accuracy. Accountants by day, assassins by night!
Balancing Fun with Hard Work
Our core value “Fun” was truly brought to life. We believe in a balanced approach to work and play and events like these are a vital part of fostering team spirit. As Kelly put it:
"This team works exceptionally hard, so it’s vital to build some fun into the year—and it’s even better when we get to try something new!"
Madi echoed this sentiment, saying:
"At work, it’s GO GO GO… so it was lovely just to relax. Seeing each other outside the work environment was a refreshing change, offering the chance to connect beyond KPIs and client deadlines.”
A Unique and Unforgettable Experience
This year’s activities were unlike anything we’ve done before. Clay shooting was a first for DVA and while some were initially surprised by the idea, the positive feedback has been overwhelming.
The combination of exciting outdoor activities, scenic surroundings, and a delicious meal made this event one to remember. It wasn’t just about the activities—it was about spending quality time together, sharing laughs and creating lasting memories.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead and many more adventures with the DVA team!
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