From mountains to sea, walking for memory, dignity, and hope

I Am Walking New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks for Dementia NZ

Dementia is more than a medical condition—it reshapes families, friendships, and communities. For me, this is deeply personal. Both my mother and my mother-in-law lived with dementia, and I witnessed firsthand the heartbreak, resilience, and isolation it brings. Their journeys taught me that dementia is not only about forgetting, but about losing connections. And yet, amidst the challenges, love endures.

Through my work running workshops on men’s mental health and ageing, I see how widespread dementia’s impact is. Almost everyone knows someone affected. Yet silence and stigma still surround it, leaving many families struggling alone. I want to help break that silence.

That’s why I am walking New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks. These tracks, which connect valleys, mountains, rivers, and history, mirror how our memories connect life’s moments. Each step I take honours the past and supports the future for families navigating dementia.

Alongside the walks, I’ll also play golf. Golf through physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive challenge has been shown to reduce dementia risk, particularly for men. It’s a reminder that ageing doesn’t have to mean decline; we can take proactive steps for our brain health.

This challenge is about remembrance, awareness, and hope. Dementia is growing in New Zealand, but through action, conversation, and support, we can make a difference for thousands of families now and in the future.