Marathon effort to raise money for Te Kiwi Māia
Firefighters from Tauranga, Greerton and Mount Maunganui recently joined forces in a marathon effort to raise funds for Te Kiwi Māia. They were joined and supported by firefighters from Hamilton and Rotorua.
Participants could either run the full marathon distance (42.2 km), complete the course as a relay team or bike.
The route started at Greerton Fire Station and took participants through Judea into Tauranga. From there the route took the athletes through Brookfield, Matua and Otumoetai, across the bridge, around the Mount Maunganui base track and finished at the Mount Maunganui Fire Station.
Brendon “Dunnie” Dunn was looking for ways to raise money for the charity after attending one of Te Kiwi Māia’s courses on burnout and resilience.
“It was such a primo course and it had a profound impact on me. I feel like I’ve been through it and come out the other side now.”
“Ever since then I’ve been doing all I can to support the organisation and raise funds so that that more people can benefit from their courses and programmes.”
The idea to do a marathon was inspired by fellow firefighter Will Bloodworth’s “Amazing Chaffe Marathon” held in Nelson. Dunnie together with firefighters Dezzy, Ash and Woody from Tauranga Station wanted to do something similar and came up with the idea of an interstation marathon.
The event has raised nearly $5,500 through their Give a Little page(external link).
“It was a cool day where everyone got together and had a chance to have a giggle and push themselves.”
The team are already looking forward to running the event again next year.
The design for the singlets worn during the event were inspired by Te Whare Tapa Wha. A wellbeing model developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984, describing health and wellbeing as a wharenui.
About Te Kiwi Māia
Te Kiwi Māia is a charity that provides rehabilitation, recovery and respite to those who – as a result of their role in safeguarding and caring for New Zealanders – have physical or psychological injuries so they can continue healthy, positive lives.
They provide facilities, equipment, services or assistance for the rehabilitation, recovery and care of such individuals, as well as their immediate families, who are in need.