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Project Island Song’s 12ks of Christmas - Cameron Lindley

  • They did it!

      15 December 2025
    Posted by: Project Island Song

    Huge congratulations and thanks to the 20 absolute heroes who completed their 12ks of Christmas challenges on Friday!

    It's been an immense effort from all of them, covering huge distance in the unseasonably hot early December weather.

    Alongside their physical efforts, they have all done an incredible job of engaging with their community and networks, raising more than $21,600 towards the restoration of the islands. This is a huge contribution, breezing past the $15,000 raised last year, and the fundraising page will still be open for donations until 31st December.

    Massive thanks are also due to everyone who has donated to support our participants. What an awesome way to end the year!

    Check out this little video we've put together to celebrate their efforts. Meri Kirihimete!

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    • 15/12/2025 by Jo Hay

      Awesome video. I'm so grateful to have been a part of this mahi.

    • 15/12/2025 by Hana

      Well done everyone..,. Meanage....

  • # 24

      13 December 2025

    Done and dusted. Despite the sore ankles and achey hips that run felt easier than expected however it may have something to do with the fact I knew it was my last one of the challenge. 292km in the bag along with lots of learnings and an amazing amount of money raised for an incredible cause. An earlier run again today as there is a lunch at midday with the other challenge participants. Full update and many, many thank you’s to follow.

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  • # 23

      12 December 2025
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    The stars turned it on for me tonight and the breeze did good job at soothing my sunburn. Last midnight run done. There’s been some learning from these night runs, if I was to do something like this again I’d certainly prepare differently. Still they’ve been challenging yet rewarding and now it’s time for my last 1.30am Up & Go for at least.

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  • # 22

      12 December 2025
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    Today’s midday run was bought to you by Shakespear Regional Park. Some may say it was a foolish idea to run the hilliest, hottest route only three runs before the end of the challenge however it got done anyway. Pukeko’s in abundance and sunburn for days, it’s back to Russell for tonight’s midnight run before one final 12km tomorrow.

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  • # 21

      12 December 2025
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    Unfortunately last nights midnight run plans were scuppered which I thought may be the case. This did mean an early one run in the city today (which was awesome as I caught sunrise) followed by another two runs today to make up for my tardiness. Change of scenery was good, run clubs and dogs in an abundance.

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  • # 20

      12 December 2025
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    As per yesterday plans over the next couple of days have forced a bit of a reshuffle so today’s first run was an earlier one which was pleasant despite two very sore ankles. Change of scenery later as I’ll be running around the streets of the big city at midnight. Not quite as picturesque but it’ll be nice to mix things up.

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  • # 19

      12 December 2025
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    Plans over the next few days have forced a bit of a reshuffle so no midnight run tonight which unfortunately means I’ve ended up doing 3 × 12km today instead. Long day. Silver lining - finally spotted a kiwi heading towards Long Beach. I heard it before I saw it, wobbling through the bush with the same sort of determination and clumsiness I had.

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  • # 18

      12 December 2025
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    Body’s really feeling it now though I suspect that might just be because I know I’m nearly done. My shoes have definitely seen better days - hard to believe they were brand new only a few weeks ago. Work and a trip down to the city mean the next few runs will be at slightly different times but they’ll still be getting done!

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  • # 17

      12 December 2025
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    Bluerghhhh. Another beautifully still evening, but this one fell apart after 7km. Calves as tight as… well, very tight. Glad to have that one done. On the home straight now though - a bit more creamy rice down the hatch and I’ll be good to go tomorrow.

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  • One day to go!

      11 December 2025
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Tomorrow is the final day, and it’s a big one for all our participants. Those who’ve been building up from 1km will have their biggest run yet, while I’m sure the 12km is not feeling any easier for those who’ve done it 11 times already!

    A few highlights:

    • Jacqui was interviewed on RNZ talking about taking part in the 12ks dressed in her vintage clothing collection.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/nights/audio/2019015751/walking-144-kilometres-in-impeccable-vintage

    • The Northern Advocate ran a story including a focus on Jo’s efforts to clean up 12km of litter in Taipa. Jo (now joined by her husband) has been collecting 5 black bags of rubbish every day!

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/on-the-up-locals-walk-run-and-pick-up-litter-for-bay-of-islands-fundraiser/OYPBELMJEVCK5CNVBQ6GYKZL5U/

    • Cam has now run 252km over the past 11 days, which is the distance by road from Russell to central Auckland. Mind-blowing!

    • Just to make things a little hotter, Laura (the penguin), Abby (dolphin), and Maryanne (bat), completed some of their kms in costume at the Paihia and Russell Christmas parades!

    Thank you so much to the 281 people who have already donated so generously.

    Wouldn’t it be an incredible boost to the absolute legends taking part in this if we could get to $18k, $19k, or even the full $20k tomorrow?!

    Please support them and help us to get there however you can - chip in a few dollars, or share their efforts far and wide to encourage others!

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  • # 16

      8 December 2025
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    The urge to do this one in an air conditioned room on a treadmill was strong but I resisted. Bumped in to an awesome chap called Peter and we had some good yarns about the history of The Gables. You never know who you’ll meet on the tracks of Russell! Looks like there could be a bit of cloud cover tomorrow, I won’t be complaining.

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  • # 15

      8 December 2025
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    A later finish at work plus a new bed setup made for what felt likeone seriously sluggish trot. After the weekends festivities, and today’s Christmas parade, the streets were back to their usual quiet vibe. Definitely not my finest outing but we got it done. # 15 in the bag.

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    • 11/12/2025 by Jo Hay

      Loving the night run pics

  • # 14

      8 December 2025
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    Perfect conditions if you’re a Fennec fox or a Saharan silver ant - less ideal if you’re a slightly sunburnt, chubby bloke trotting around at midday. Still haven’t figured out whether I prefer running at midday or midnight; both have their own pro’s and con’s. If this is a taste of summer though keep it coming. Beautiful weather!

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  • # 13

      8 December 2025
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    Little bunnies everywhere tonight - as erratic as the thoughts I’ve been having on these night runs. Found myself looping a very similar route around town again but that’s just what my legs and body are asking for right now. Maybe it’s hitting the halfway mark but tonight felt tough. On to the next tomorrow.

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  • # 12

      8 December 2025
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    Halfway! Twelve runs down, twelve to go. Bumped into the legendary William Fuller out there today, somehow multitasking in the heat while still getting the k’s done. Tried sunblock and it ran straight into my eyes mid-run - a feeling very similar to posting an outrageous comment on the Russell Noticeboard. Instant regret.

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  • # 11

      6 December 2025
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    No werewolves out there this full moon, but I did bump into a couple of creatures along the way. Some interesting driving too - must be a full-moon thing. Had a Ruru cheer me on halfway which was awesome. I’ve seemingly got my night routine down as this is the earliest I’ve made it into bed yet. Stoked.

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  • # 10

      6 December 2025
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    Good yarns out there today, some interesting haircuts and a poor chap that lost his bank card. The water was the most beautiful shades of blue in places and I had a cold Up & Go waiting for me at the end. Life is good

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  • # 9

      6 December 2025
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    I call this one ‘laps of Long Beach’. Slightly faster pace tonight which makes sense given the flatter route. Shooting stars, satellites, blurry eyes… maybe even an alien invasion? Who knows. Looking forward to some creamy rice after this one.

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  • #8

      6 December 2025
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    Change of scenery in Kerikeri today which was awesome, running out to the falls is always enjoyable and it was great to see so many people out there on the track! My legs felt surprisingly strong but my body definitely feeling it. Regardless today I am a historic power house. 8 runs down which means I’m one third of the way through.

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  • #7

      4 December 2025
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    A run of two halves - stars (at last) accompanying the moon up front, rain and gusts on the back end. Both mint. Repetitive route but the trotters were needing it. Still loving the peace and the nighttime soundtrack of Russell.

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    • 04/12/2025 by Jo Hay

      Love your crazy challenge!

  • #6

      4 December 2025
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    Finally got some proper sleep and felt the strongest I’ve been since run #1. Had some quality yarns on the tracks, shoutout to Craig for being out there grinding after tackling the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge at the weekend. Quarter of the way through — hoorah!

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  • #5

      4 December 2025
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    Running almost entirely by moonlight tonight was pretty magical. My pre-run nap was decent meaning I woke up feeling surprisingly solid however this was definitely a recovery run as my legs insisted on it. Awesome to see the Kahawai were partying at the wharf - they must of been on holiday over Rockhoppers this year.

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  • We just reached our $12,000 goal on Day 3!

      3 December 2025
    Posted by: Project Island Song
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    Oh my goodness - after an absolutely colossal day yesterday for Give a Little Day, with more than $6,600 donated in 24 hours, we can’t quite believe that we have just reached our initial goal of $12,000 on the morning of Day 3!

    Thank you so much to everyone who has already donated to support our amazing runners and walkers. We’re completely blown away by the number of people getting behind the 12ks this year.

    A big welcome to our newest participants - Elsie, Kevin, Michelle, Rachel, Sandra, Sarah, and Steph.

    We’ve now got a whopping 20 people taking part which is fantastic, and between them they will be walking or running a combined 2,166km by 12th December!

    This is longer than the length of New Zealand (1,600km), and just slightly more than the distance between Sydney and Auckland (2,156km)!

    What now? Well with 9 days of walking and running still to go, we have just raised the overall goal to $20,000.

    Can we get there? We really don’t know but we hope so! This would be a truly phenomenal amount of money to raise for our collective mahi on the islands.

    Please continue to get behind all our participants, especially as the feet start to blister and the legs begin to tire! Spread the word to friends and family, walk alongside them (literally or figuratively), and be cheerleaders for their awesome efforts. Your support will keep them going.

    Spare an extra thought for all our participants today who may have to time their runs/walks well to avoid getting very soggy!

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  • #4

      2 December 2025
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    Probably the only person in Russell wishing for rain after the glorious weather we’ve been having but it sure helped. Nice to get onto some properly muddy trails even if they slowed the pace (no complaints here). Big shout to William and his little helpers in Tapeka - they gave me a cracking boost and were doing awesome work.

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  • #3

      2 December 2025
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    I didn’t want to get out of bed tonight and apparently the insects picked up on that - they followed me like I owed them money. Peaceful as out there again though. Threw in a bit more elevation and pulled out, rather frequently, the very humbling up-hill shuffle to get it done.

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  • #2

      1 December 2025
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    Stunning summer vibes out there but there heat cooked me. This may be a problem, bring back Winter I say (just kidding). Saw some young chooks and avoided joining a group of ladies on their mission to Omata. Ended with an ocean dip that's probably saltier now because of me.

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  • #1

      1 December 2025
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    First midnight run done! Route was chaos, the night time heat was sneaky and my pre-run fuel betrayed me. Kept it easy and avoided too much elevation. No kiwis spotted but the cold Up & Go at the end was elite.

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