One of New Zealand's most successful national fundraising events will be based in Whakatane for at least the next three years, following an agreement between Oxfam New Zealand and the Whakatane District Council.

The annual Oxfam Trailwalker challenges teams of four people to walk a 100-kilometre course in 36 hours or less and raise funds to fight poverty in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

The Green Goddesses, fighting poverty one step at a time at this year's Oxfam Trailwalker. Photo: Artur Francisco.

Held in Taupo for the past 10 years, the 2015 event raised close to $1 million and attracted approximately 2100 participants and supporters.

Speaking at the 2015 Oxfam Trailwalker Awards in Auckland last night, Mayor Tony Bonne says the Whakatane District was honoured to be involved in the event and to assist Oxfam's efforts to combat poverty.

'The synergies between this award-winning national event and our Grow Whakatane events strategy make this an absolute winner from every perspective. Oxfam's activities have worldwide recognition and the Trailwalker event's commitment to environmental sustainability is a natural fit for our values and District promotion objectives,” says Tony.

'Our aim is to firmly establish the Whakatane District as a centre of eco-tourism excellence and we believe the Oxfam Trailwalker is a significant step towards that.

'Not only will this event generate more than $1 million in economic activity each year, but it gives us the opportunity to showcase our superb climate and natural assets to an influential national and international audience, so the potential spin-offs are huge.”

Tony says the community's reputation as a welcoming and friendly location also influenced the selection process.

'This event will need a significant voluntary input and I have no doubt that people will come aboard and support it wholeheartedly.”

Rachael Le Mesurier, Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand says: 'We're incredibly excited about moving Oxfam Trailwalker to Whakatane.

'It has the perfect mix of friendly people, lovely partnership with tangata whenua and stunning scenery to make this event superb. I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community for welcoming Oxfam Trailwalker to this beautiful corner of New Zealand.”

WDC General Manager Strategy and Economic Development, Julie Gardyne, says work is already underway to identify the 100-km route the Oxfam Trailwalker will follow.

Key components will include the coastal section of Nga Tapuwae o Toi, Ohope Beach and Ohiwa Harbour and off-road farm and forestry trails.

'Council staff and advisors will be working with private landowners and other potential participants to ensure that we provide a memorable introduction to the Whakatane District's scenic and cultural highlights,” says Julie.

'We'll be looking to involve a number of organisations with the required skills and experience to help us deliver an event that succeeds on every level. We've already had White Island Tours come aboard as a local sponsor, so that's a great sign that the 2016 Oxfam Trailwalker will be a truly special event.”