10/10/2026
Pae Ora 2026 is a wrap!
As we reflect todays event, it’s hard not to feel a huge sense of pride in our community. This was our fifth year at Burwood Forest, in He Waka Tapu’s 30th year, and once again our people turned up in force.
The weather was touch and go, but that didn’t slow anyone down. Whānau of all ages came out to walk, run and celebrate together, and they brought the energy and the smiles all morning. More than 1200 people registered, over 900 collected their race packs before the day, and a few more race numbers were handed out on the morning. That’s a lot of hauora and connection in one forest.
Pae Ora is a free, smokefree whānau event centred on hauora and connection. As an organisation, it means a lot to see this kind of whanaungatanga and kotahitanga. Our people showed up for themselves and their whānau. That’s what it’s all about, giving our tamariki healthy experiences that nurture their tinana and hauora.
A day like this takes a lot of people. Thanks to Matua Tane for opening us with karakia and to the Motus crew for leading the warmup. Our MC George Read, the Host from the Coast, brought the vibes, and DJ Tylah Tyson kept the energy up all day. Thanks Media on photos and Porkchop on videography for capturing it all, and Adrian from the Active QT team for making sure the track was sorted for the hīkoi.
Big thanks to YCD (Youth Cultural Development) and the Fresh team for running the BBQ, barbers and braiders, including Luke and the team for providing the cleanest fades, Lulu’s House of Braids for looking after our people and Peter Timbs for supplying the sausages, Vegeland brought the fruit and Kiwicoffee kept us caffeinated. The Tūhono Taonga Pounamu Van, CCC Libraries Van, Hauora Tribe and the Sports Canterbury equipment, tug of war included, kept everyone busy. Pedalmania, Event Hire with the inflatables, Hire King Portaloos, Tidy Bins and the Life Care Ambulance medics kept us safe and sorted.
Thank you as well to our stall holders: Heart Foundation, Electoral Commission, Active Canterbury, Te Hā Waitaha, Speed Freaks, NZ Landcare Trust, and our own Wāhine Ora and Te Aranga teams here at He Waka Tapu.
Pae Ora is free for whānau thanks to the support of our funders, Tū Manawa, Bupa and Christchurch City Council Strengthening Communities.
Finally, to our wider community, thank you. Pae Ora only works because of you. Every person who turned up, walked the track, cheered someone across the line, gave the activities a go and shared a smile helped make this day a success, rain or shine. We’re proud to share it with our community, and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2027.
Mauri tū, mauri ora!
