Walking the length of New Zealand for Crohns and Colitis

Hi, I’m Talisha Buckingham and in October 2025 I’ll be walking the Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km journey from Cape Reinga to Bluff to raise money and awareness for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, collectively known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

IBD severely impacts the digestive system which can cause debilitating pain and can drastically affect quality of life. Managing life with these conditions can be extremely challenging as you can feel isolated, have multiple hospital visits, face unpredictable flare-ups and challenges living with a life long condition.

I live with Ulcerative Colitis and last year I became extremely ill from it. Thanks to life saving treatment I've regained my strength which I'm using to walk the length of NZ and give back to others walking a similar path with every step of the trail being dedicated to the 20,000+ New Zealanders living with IBD.

Your donation will directly support Crohn’s and Colitis NZ’s vital work, including:

-Funding education and awareness campaigns to help more people understand IBD

-Making lives more liveable for everyone in New Zealand affected by IBD

-Contributing to research and better treatment outcomes for those living with IBD in NZ

Your support will help bring a sense of community to people who often feel isolated by their illness.