Rural women walk
Rural Women NZ members and friends walked the length of New Zealand on the weekend, then turned round and walked halfway back again! Six of those troopers were from Horsham Downs; and clocked up 39.6km around Lake Kainui.
The collective effort was part of the global Women Walk the World challenge to raise funds to help women in developing countries step up out of poverty.
“The day was a huge success,” says Liz Evans. “Our members held 26 events around the country from Southland to Franklin.”
“Our local challenge was to walk the length of New Zealand, or approximately 1600 kilometres. Our members did that and more!”
The challenge saw several generations taking part, from babies in prams to at least two women in their mid-80s who walked more than five kilometres each, with the oldest walker aged 87.
The distances covered were tallied up on pedometers supplied by the NZ Walking Access Commission.
Chief Executive Mark Neeson said the Commission was proud to be part of the event.
“Women Walk the World is an outstanding idea. Not only does it raise money for a worthy cause, but it also promotes healthy lifestyles, greater awareness of walking opportunities in rural settings and better understanding of life outside urban centres.”
Money was raised through gold coin entry fees, sponsorship and raffles.
Where they walked:
Old Wanganui Coach Road – 341 kms – 22 people
Lions Reserve Blenheim – 125 kms – 15 people
Waitanguru – 85 kms – 17 people
Te Awamutu Walk of Fame and Pioneer Walk – 78.75 kms – 9 people
Te Awamutu street walk – 78 kms – 13 people
Bulls river walk – 85.5 kms – 15 walkers
Wharepapa South, Hobbit film area – 90 kms – 15 people
Kainui Lake Walk – 39.6 kms – 6 people (Yay!)
Hamilton Lake – 130.1km – 30 people
Lawrence, Gabriel’s Gully – 230kms – 28 adults, 7 children
Pakawau, Golden Bay – 8 people
Onewhero School, Franklin – 100.6 kms – 16 people
Rapaki Hillside Walk, Martinborough – 61kms – 11 people
Carrington Walkway, Stratford – 200 kms – 35 women
New Plymouth, North Taranaki – 96kms – 16 people
Lake Rotoiti School walk – 152kms – 24 children, 16 adults
Queen Charlotte Walkway – 211 kms – 18 walkers from Kenepuru branch
Queen Charlotte Walkway – 222 kms – 14 walkers from Mahikapawa branch
Taihape Triangle – 94.34 – 20 walkers (oldest aged 87!)
Marton walk – 47kms – 9 people
Caroline Bay Walk, South Canterbury – 70kms – 18 people
Skyline walk, Orana Park Oamaru – 148 kms – 32 people
Mount Maunganui – 20 kms – 6 people
Daffodil Bay to Sandy Point, Southland – 125 kms – 45 people
Gore walk – 15 kms – 15 people
Omokoroa – 12 kms – 3 people
