Rafting for fundraiser
Rafting New Zealand raised $1000 for Purerehua Early Childhood Centre, Tu¯rangi, in the annual River Wild Raft & Run challenge.
The event was run over two days and marketing manager Mark Thomson said 142 participants came from as far away as Queenstown and Dunedin.
“The event is a truly unique way to welcome the summer and pits social and competitive teams from around the country against each other,” says Mark. The first stage was a 16km guided rafting trip down the Tongariro River, negotiating grade 3 rapids. Then it was a quick change into running gear and a 8km team run along the Tongariro River Trail.
“It was a fun day of excitement, laughs. We hope competitors take home great memories of the wonders of the mighty Tongariro River and the surrounding area.”
This is the sixth year it has run and Mark says wherever possible Rafting New Zealand likes to give back to the community.
“Giving back is a part of our Kiwi culture. We chose Purerehua because they offer 30 free hours to all preschoolers and view all tamariki as Taonga.” Coming from Auckland where education is more mainstream, it’s apparent to him that community-based education is important in Tu¯rangi.
He says the event couldn’t happen without volunteers, and rafting vouchers were given to volunteers.
Rafting New Zealand is a family-owned and operated business and Mark says they like to offer career opportunities to young Tu¯wharetoa people.
“At the moment we have two or three local guides who have built a career for themselves. They started from the ground up. Through their descent [ancestors] they have a connection to the river.”
The company is offering half price rafting for Taupo¯ Tu¯rangi people from December 10 to 16, with 10 per cent of bookings going to the Awa Toa fund, a river conservation fund.
■ The next River Wild Raft & Run challenge is on November 9 and 10 next year.