TE HEKE ORA CHALLENGE 2017
Te Heke Ora Challenge 2017 is a wellbeing initiative that promotes the development of whānau health as a collective and in connection with our ancestral history. Created by members of NRAIT (Ngāti Rarua Te Ati Awa Trust) the idea came as a way to reach out to hapū and iwi members with a focus on collective prosperity.
The event will see teams of two or more people either walk, swim, canoe, bike or run a combined 1000km over a 30 day period, starting the 9th January 2017 and finishing the 7th February 2017. This occasion will commemorate the migration of Ngāti Rarua and Te Ati Awa from Taranaki and Kawhia to Te tau ihu ō te waka ā Maui (the northern region of the South Island). Ngāti Rarua and Te Atiawa began laying their tracks in the early 19th century, with most settling in the Motueka - Whakarewa areas. The tribute to this historical pilgrimage of our ancestors not only engages us in our history and knowledge, but also highlights the journeys demanding physical challenges. Registration is open to all registered NRAIT members and whānau. (Not registered? Visit http://www.nrait.co.nz/ for descendant membership information)
I am a member of NRAIT and descend on my mothers side through my grandmother Te Wai Matao Oriwia Maharata Turoa . I have registered a whānau team; Te Whānau Oriwia nō Te Whanganui ā Tara with my brother Nathan Astwood and mother Olivia Aroha Giles. There is plenty of potential for a few more whānau members to join! I am looking forward to being a part of this celebration and joining with iwi as we all embrace the stories and pathways of our ancestors.
Te Heke Ora Challenge will overlap part of my time on Te Araroa and the Tira Hoe Waka 2017 and will fall into the following sections of Te Araroa:
Te Heke Ora Challenge
9th Jan 2017 - 7th February 2017
Travelling South: Whitianga - Whanganui (Wanganui River) will be done paddling down the river by canoe as part of the Tira Hoe Waka 2017
Whanganui - Porirua will be done by bicycle and take 2-3 days
Porirua - Wellington will be done walking over one day with friends and whānau
Wellington - Invercagill will be done by plane so it doesn't count towards my kms
Travelling North: Bluff - Mavora Lakes will be done by foot walking the rest of the way
I will complete approximately 660km during this challenge!!
Keep posted for updates!
