The Future is Equal

Kiwis challenge poverty and themselves at Oxfam Trailwalker 2012

While most of us enjoy a lie-in this Saturday, intrepid walkers from across the country will converge on misty trails in Taupo for Oxfam Trailwalker. Nearly 1000 competitors will walk – or run, if they’re keen – a full 100 kilometres in less than 36 hours, and all to help Oxfam raise vital funds to support its work with communities living in poverty in the developing world.

While most of us enjoy a lie-in this Saturday, intrepid walkers from across the country will converge on misty trails in Taupo for Oxfam Trailwalker. Nearly 1000 competitors will walk – or run, if they’re keen – a full 100 kilometres in less than 36 hours, and all to help Oxfam raise vital funds to support its work with communities living in poverty in the developing world.

After training for months, participants have come from across New Zealand and as far away as Singapore, Fiji and Australia to participate in Oxfam Trailwalker, billed as The World’s Greatest Team Challenge. The trail takes walkers through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, including Huka Falls, native bush and views across Lake Taupo.

Team Crazy Dorls
One of last year’s Oxfam Trailwalker teams, the Crazy Dorls, limbering up before their 100km trek. 

But the event’s draw comes from more than just picturesque scenery. Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Barry Coates explains: “People have lots of reasons for doing Oxfam Trailwalker. One reason is they’re raising money for a very good cause and that is absolutely fantastic. We’re really grateful for all the participants and support crew for all they do to enable Oxfam’s work.”

“The event gives people the motivation to test their limits. I’ve seen people cross the line looking like they’re truly given their all. It’s very humbling,” said Coates.

It’s an event that very nearly didn’t happen this year, its seventh in New Zealand. After the weather-bomb downed trees across nearly 50 kilometres of the track earlier this month, event organisers were faced with potentially costly track clearing or re-routing major sections of the walk. But thanks to the quick work and generosity of Bike Taupo, with help from Contact Energy and the Taupo community, competitors face only a minor diversion of a few hundred metres and the event can go ahead as planned.

Oxfam spokesperson Jason Garman said, “Heartfelt thanks are in order here. Contact Energy is being so helpful and Bike Taupo is just superhuman. We’ve got about 1000 walkers, plus hundreds of support crews, families, friends and volunteers coming to Taupo this weekend. Without a course, the show couldn’t go on. So we are hugely grateful to the local community for everything they’re doing to get the trail back in shape.

“Our goal is to raise $1 million through Oxfam Trailwalker this year. The event has a huge impact on the lives of people living in poverty in the developing world – communities are able to build clean water supplies, families can grow more food, women are protected from violence and children are given the chance at an education. For them – and for all the people who have trained so hard to be ready to walk 100 kilometres this weekend, but need a course to do it on – Oxfam says, thank you Taupo.”

Globally, more than 32,000 Oxfam Trailwalker teams in 13 countries (128,000 individuals) have collectively walked over 11.5 million kilometres (the same distance as circling the world 287 times!) and raised more than NZ$70 million for Oxfam’s vital work.

Throughout the event weekend, support crews, families and friends can keep track of their team’s progress on the Oxfam website at www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz.