A new format, more zany games and even more prizes are on offer in the Cooney Lees Morgan Lunchbreak Battle.

Hosted by Sport Bay of Plenty, the Cooney Lees Morgan Lunchbreak Battle is an annual free event designed to encourage Tauranga businesses to get out from behind the desk and get active for up to 45 minutes during their work day.

Local businesses are encouraged to enter teams of three into the event, which runs over three consecutive Thursday lunchtimes, and go head-to-head with other organisations in a series of physically and mentally challenging games and activities.

Sport Bay of Plenty Recreation Advisor Michelle Barns says you don't have to be ‘sporty' to enter as the focus of the activities is on having fun and meeting new people.

But, she cautioned, you will get sweaty – the aim of the event is to keep teams moving in some way for the whole 45 minutes.

'Studies show that physical activity during the day, in whatever form, is proven to boost your mood, increase productivity and enhance your focus.”

'With most of us spending up to eight hours a day seated – including during our lunchbreaks and when we get home – this event is a quick, easy way to break up the day, chat to your co-workers and even meet new people from other local businesses. Your bosses will thank us for it!”

Michelle says the 2017 event was extremely popular, with 40 teams from Tauranga and Mount Maunganui competing for the top spots. However, this year a few changes will mean an enhanced experience for all.

'Following feedback from our participants, we have made a greater focus on head-to-head competition and due to the changeable nature of autumn-winter weather, we have moved all events indoors to Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre on 11th Avenue.

'We've also got some new games, as well as a return of Clash of the Corporates for those who have unfinished business!”

The Cooney Lees Morgan Lunchbreak Battle is at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, 11th Avenue on Thursdays May 24, 31 and June 7, starting at 12.10pm.

The event comprises of three unique challenges: The Week That Was, Clash of the Corporates 2.0 and Curve Balls.

There are prizes for podium finishes in each event, as well as overall top spots, thanks to generous Bay of Plenty sponsors, including The Barrel Room, Barrio Brothers Tauranga, Rye Bar and Grill, Pluto Soup Juice & Salad Bar, Tauranga Musical Theatre and Escape Masters Tauranga.

Teams of three are to register through the Sport Bay of Plenty website before Friday, May 18.

The event is capped at 40 teams on a first in, first served basis. To register, visit: www.sportbop.co.nz/clm-lunchbreak-battle/