One of New Zealand’s most successful national fundraising events is coming to Whakatāne following an agreement between Oxfam New Zealand and the Whakatāne District Council.
The annual Oxfam Trailwalker challenges teams of four people to walk a 100-kilometre course in 36 hours or less and raise funds to fight poverty in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Held in Taupō for the past 10 years, the 2015 event raised close to $1 million and attracted approximately 2100 participants and supporters.
Speaking at the 2015 Oxfam Trailwalker Awards in Auckland last night, Mayor Tony Bonne said the Whakatāne District was honoured to be involved in the event and to assist Oxfam’s efforts to combat poverty.
“The synergies between this award-winning national event and our events strategy make this an absolute winner from every perspective. Oxfam’s activities have worldwide recognition and Oxfam Trailwalker’s commitment to environmental sustainability is a natural fit for our values and District promotion objectives,” he says.
“Our aim is to firmly establish the Whakatāne District as a centre of eco-tourism excellence and we believe Oxfam Trailwalker is a significant step towards that. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our superb climate and natural assets to a wide range of participants and supporters from New Zealand and abroad.”
Mayor Bonne says the community has a reputation as very welcoming and friendly. “This event will need a significant voluntary input and I have no doubt that people will come aboard and support it wholeheartedly.”
Rachael Le Mesurier, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, says her organisation is “incredibly excited about moving Oxfam Trailwalker to Whakatāne. It has the perfect mix of friendly people, lovely partnership with tangata whenua and stunning scenery to make this event superb. I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community for welcoming Oxfam Trailwalker to this beautiful corner of New Zealand."
Julie Gardyne, WDC General Manager for Strategy and Economic Development, says work is well underway to finalise the 100 km route the Oxfam Trailwalker will follow. Key components will include the coastal section of Ngā Tapuwae o Toi, Ōhope Beach and Ōhiwa Harbour and off-road farm and forestry trails. “Council staff and advisors will be working alongside Oxfam, with private landowners and other potential participants, to ensure that we provide a memorable introduction to the Whakatāne District’s scenic and cultural highlights,” Ms Gardyne says. “We’re looking to support Oxfam by involving a number of local organisations to help deliver an event that succeeds on every level. We’ve already had White Island Tours come aboard, so that’s a great sign that the 2016 Oxfam Trailwalker will be a truly special event.”