PĀNUI
NEWS
He Waka Tapu joins Run for a Reason with Speed Freaks.
21 / 09 / 2025
On Sunday 21 September, a team of kaimahi from HWT headed along to Speed Freaks’ first ever Run for a Reason event at Ngā Puna Wai in Ōtautahi. It was a powerful kaupapa that brought people together to walk, run, or roll in honour of whānau and friends who have faced addiction and mental health challenges.
“Wahio i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa” - Let us keep close together, not wide apart.
Every bib told a story. Instead of wearing their own names, people wrote the names of those close to them, to celebrate their journey of change, to support those still in the thick of it, or to remember those we’ve lost to addiction and suicide. There were tears, laughter, and plenty of aroha out on the track.
The vibe was uplifting, dress ups, spot prizes, face paint, and good tunes, but underneath it all sat something really meaningful. Over 300 people came together across both venues, showing that when community gathers, stigma gets pushed aside and kōrero can open up.
For us at He Waka Tapu, being part of this kaupapa matters. We work alongside whānau every day who are dealing with the impacts of alcohol and other drugs. Too often, shame and stigma stop people from reaching out. Events like this send a clear message: you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
The Speed Freaks whānau have shown how something as simple as running (or walking, or rolling) can be a pathway for healing. It’s about moving forward, connecting with others, and showing that recovery and wellbeing are possible. That’s the same mahi we’re committed to – helping whānau find hope, build strength, and take those next steps.
We’re grateful to have stood alongside everyone on the day. Huge mihi to Speedy Az, Kimbo Slice, MCs Chris and Ben, and all the crew who made it happen. It was more than just a run, it was a chance to come together, honour our loved ones, and keep the kōrero going around addiction, recovery and mental health.
