You are not alone: Walk unites those affected by suicide
In 2018, wha¯nau of Foxton were bowled over by the tragic loss of Josh Larsen, a loved son, mokopuna and friend through suicide. His uncle, Dan Taylor, decided he would like to do something about it and came up with the idea of No One Walks Alone to gather any and all people who are or have been affected by suicide and, by walking together, to show that there is always someone there to help.
Ko¯rero Haumaru ki Te Awahou (Safe Talk Foxton) is a community group initiated by Kiwa Whareaitu (Whakapai Hauora suicide prevention navigator, bought up in Foxton) and has mushroomed into a vibrant, pro-active wha¯nau-led community group that meets every month to discuss support for wha¯nau in many kaupapa. The No One Walks Alone Event is its flagship kaupapa into which the team puts all its effort to bring a wonderful day for the region, celebrated in Foxton with its own wha¯nau flavour.
This year, on Saturday, November 11 (the fourth year of the event), from 9am, walkers will start at Te Waiora Health Centre on Ladys Mile and head to the centre of town, to the water tower, or Paretao, the Ma¯ori name for the old pa¯ kainga on the site. There will be karanga, karakia and a time to remember those who have passed. The walk will then return to the centre of town, outside Whare Manaaki, near the windmill, where there will be entertainment, a free sausage sizzle, free bouncy castles and fun activities, freebies and prizes, healthy stalls and many other goodies.
Entertainment will be provided by special guests Che Fu, sons Loxmyn (professional sax player) and Jeru (scratch DJ artist) as well as some well-known local talent, including Nukulele Boom, Sheree and Jeff Carr (Sheree is Josh Larsen’s aunty), kapa haka and dance groups.
Presenters including Mahanga Williams, of Mana Man, and George Davis will share their kaupapa and there will be special guests from Horowhenua District Council and Te Pa¯ti Ma¯ori, among others. Health promotion stalls will be on display, featuring Rongoa¯, Whakapai Hauora, Heartlands, Te Tihi, Life to the Max, Te Mana o te Tangata, Cancer Society and Muaupoko Tribal Authority.
The event is being supported by police, the council, local businesses and other groups, such as Te Awahou Funeral Home and schools. A hearty thank-you to them all.
Everything is free and everyone is welcome. Meet at 8.30am to register at Te Waiora on Ladys Mile and finish outside Whare Manaaki by the windmill about 3pm.