Te Ara Whakaora – Walking the Length of Aotearoa in Gumboots

Kia ora, ko Tēpane tōku ingoa.

I'm 50. After 33 years in addiction I'm now over 129 days clean. I'm a plasterer with 30 years in the trade and 5 years at sea. This year I lost everything and was homeless in Australia, sleeping rough at a skate park. I came home to Aotearoa to heal and find out who I am.

Walking saved me. I've walked over 1,300 km in my recovery, much of it in Red Band gumboots, including Blenheim to Waikawa in one day.

Now I'm taking the big step: Te Ara Whakaora, the path of healing. It's 3,000 km down the length of the country in gumboots, Te Rerenga Wairua to Bluff, visiting my marae along the way. As far as I know, no one has ever done it in gumboots. I'm doing it for my family, 7 kids and 2 grandkids, and for anyone still stuck in the dark. If I can come back, so can you.

I dreamed a dream. Help me, Aotearoa. I swear on my soul I won't let you down.

My goal is $5,000 for the whole walk: transport to the start, kai, a swag, gear, and phone data to film it on YouTube (Tēpane). I'll travel light and fast and sleep on the side of the road. I'll post every receipt to show the money went only to the walk.

Kāore au i te hīkoi takitahi. I do not walk alone.

Ngā mihi nui,

Tēpane