Walkers up for challenge

HEALTHIER Communities co-ordinator, Irene Ground (back left) and the Get Walking group at their first get together at the Kihikihi Community Police Base.

The new initiative to get people walking towards a healthier lifestyle has got off to a great start.

Healthier Communities co-ordinator, Irene Ground says the first week of Get Walking attracted a group of 11 very keen ladies, of a wide variety of ages, and all with different goals. She says some want to improve their health and some are simply being supportive and friendly to the group and individuals.

A permanent volunteer has also come forward. Rosie Churchill will carry on with this group permanently after the four weeks of workshops.

On the first day the group set themselves a new goal over and above the 5km challenge - they want to walk from Kihikihi to Te Awamutu and back. It has been something some have wanted to do since the new footpaths were opened, but just never have.
Mrs Ground says it is this kind of goal setting that makes people successful towards a healthier lifestyle and gives the group
ownership of their walk.

One walker commented how much “she just loves it and thinks people need to get off their butts and come down and join us to see what it is like for themselves”. Another said she hopes it continues as she has found it very motivating.

Mrs Ground says it is a great start, especially as others have made contact to say they could not come to the first week but want to be involved. She will still need more volunteers as she is looking at setting up other groups in different locations to suit the needs of the community. Anyone wanting to volunteer, or wishing to know more about the role, is welcome to visit Mrs Ground at the Kihikihi centre or phone 870 6163 or text 021 749595.