At the heart of fostering healthier, more connected communities lies the power of collaboration, innovation and shared purpose. This year, Move it Mahuru, a kaupapa led by Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki embodied all three, bringing together kaimahi, kaumātua and whānau through movement, motivation and manaakitanga.

Planning for Move it Mahuru began in July, focusing on proposal development, communications and community engagement. The official launch in September attracted record participation and energy.

What began as a small four- person committee has grown into a 15 member rōpū, represnting four ohu within Te Korowai Hauora o Hauraki. This collective has not only strengthened the intiatives reach but also built capability and confidence within each other. Meeting weekly from July through September, the committee reflected, celebrated and refined the kaupapa together demonstrating the power of systems thinking, collaboration and shared leadership.

Throughout our mahi, we recognised that our Kaumātua are among the strongest drivers of health and prevention. This insight led to an exciting collaboration with our Kaumātua Ora service, who had previously hosted Pink Ribbon walks in support of breast cancer awareness. Aligning this with Move it Mahuru’s September timeline, the two initiatives came together for a Pink Ribbon Fun-a-thon. A vibrant celebration of movement, awareness and community. This event not only closed our challenge on a high but also opened the kaupapa to the wider community, connecting those walking for wellbeing with those walking in solidarity for breast cancer awareness.

As part of this collaboration, a Kaumātua catergory was introduced within the competition, ensuring equitable participation through adapted challenge requirements. Their engagement and enthusiasm became one of the most inspiring parts of this years journey.

In the words of one of our Kaumātua, Ruhi Pene Barton: “Its been fun participating in this challenge. I’ve enjoyed the push to think outside the box when it rains, keeping these old bones moving has been good! My knees might complain but its worth it. My dog client and I are fitter and happier. Its been a win win for us all. So many laughs and memories i’ll cherish forever. Thank you for the inspiration and for keeping me real. 27 walks and selies done and dusted. Awesome kaupapa!”

This years Move it Mahuru reached its largest scale yet with 20 teams of up to five participants and 16 individuals, totalling 116 competitors. The initiative also expanded beyond Hauraki, with former Systems Innovator Ryleigh Hayes implimenting the kaupapa at Ngāti Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau in the Bay of Plenty, where 45 kaimahi actively participated.

Merchandise sales were another highlight, with this years pink-themed line selling out faster than ever before. The colour choice honoured the Pink Ribbon partnership and were proudly seen across our community, sparking kōrero, curiousity and connection.

This kaupapa continues to inspire ongoing engagement beyond the month itself, reinforcing the message that movement is medicine, for the body, mind and wairua.

As we reflect on this years success’, we celebrate not just the milestones achieved but the collective strength that made it possible. Move it Mahuru stands as one of Healthy Families Te Ngira’s longest running and most impactful initiatives, continuing to grow across our collective and nationally.

Together, we move towards a healthier future. One step, one selfie, one accountability post, one story at a time.