Leading from the front issuu

Kidnappers with some Parkers and Magill’s. Then around
Lake Waikaremoana with Mum’s rellies the O’Donnell’s,
a part of the wonderful madness. We have to say our
Mum, Catherine, was up for all of this, in as much as she
was herself adventurous and that she supported Pat.
So why not have another walk and highlight how a
positive and simple activity can offer hope to those who
need it, or those who never had the chance for an adventure.
‘Te Araroa Offers Hope’ was on our tee shirts. The
main walkers were Pat, who walked most of the 88km
long Ninety Mile Beach. Minnie, Pat’s good social working
partner from Maraenui; Jo Magill, Jerri and Travis
Magill, our whānau, fit and keen. Me, Tim with helpers
Bernie, Puawai and Cortez. Some more whānau/ friends/
freedom walkers wanted to join the fun so Tangiareta,
Sonny, Briney and his two nieces joined the hikoi too. Jo
Magill was real keen to get to Bluff eventually — this was
her start — and by the end of the trip more on the team
including Minnie were keen to do that too. Walking the
entire trail as time allowed was in their sights.
DAY 1:
A photo and special kick off at the amazing Cape Reinga
Lighthouse. The walkers set out towards Ninety Mile
Beach and us supporters took the road back south, hit
the beach via a stream and drove back north to Scott’s
Landing to make camp. The Hiace van became the
“Mothership”. Carrying gear, kitchen/dining area. By the
time the walkers came down the huge cliff via steps, we
had base camp ready. They were buzzing, talking the
walk, a swim, meal and moi at this abrupt top of Ninety
Mile Beach and plenty of beach ahead.
to be going well and although they’re buggered tonight,
all are happy, and hungry.
DAY 3:
Pat has walked both days but on the third he opts to
join the support crew and although locals said with the
tide half out we would be fine driving the beach, we got
smashed by some big waves right through our Mothership.
Towed out an hour later, we gave refreshments to
the walkers on their way to camp 3 at Utea. Choices of
two commercial camps tell us we are re-joining civilisation.
This night was relaxed as all are a bit fitter and in
the groove plus the next day to Waipapakauri is the last
full day (around 20km). Pat has since made good friends
with Utea Camp owners as he promotes this trail and
researches accommodation options for further hikoi. Always
more, on, on.
DAY 4:
Still good hot weather so it’s up early, breaky and hit the
trail before it’s too hot. Us, the support crew are enjoying
the experience as spectators. We see walkers in an
almost desert-like situation; desolate and vast, whether
driving or walking, this part of Te Araroa is so unique.
Tonight we are in a proper motor camp with trappings
of society. A small stroll tomorrow and its over for this
section and this group, for now.
DAY 5:
DAY 2:
A great day dawns, surf pounding while we breaky and
see walkers trickle out in groups of twos and threes. After
Mothership crew break camp, we cruise the beach
passing the legendary gang and set up camp at The
Bluff. Surf, bigger and better amenities, a long drop even.
Again walkers trickle in — ones and twos now as it happens.
They think better alone?
Thinking of the plusses one can experience on a good
walk: Time to Think, Solve, Bond, Gain Hope, Enjoy Nature,
Get Fit, Think Fit, etc. Pat and Minnie are also using
any attention which this hikoi raises to advance their
suggestions for a better, fairer society. Anyway it seems
Pat has Hone Harawera interested in TAOH so Hone
walks with us on this last leg. As does Jim Morunga, another
legendary Napier crusader who with Pat over the
years has tried plenty of tricks to assist with equality. I
think Hone thought we were going to march as proteststyle
walkers, rabble rousers maybe, instead of cruising
at our own pace with our own thoughts. This walk to
Ahipara Motor Camp was so short the walkers beat our
Mothership to the camp. Whew! Lovely to have made it
and rest together… a bonded team for sure.
Writing this brings back a special time. Some of us
have travelled further afield yet this impresses us all
on so many levels. I think all involved will remember it
forever. Well done Pat.
Napier Pilot City Trust – for a kinder, fairer city 137