The MOVE with You, Waihī Beach community challenge is back and bigger than ever, with a full month of free, inclusive family-fun events designed to get locals moving, connecting, and supporting mental wellbeing.

Running until November 2, the initiative, now in its third year, offers a range of ways to get active and connected – whether that’s walking, running, biking, swimming, paddling or simply moving for 30 minutes a day. Participants can take on one of four personal challenges: complete a marathon distance (42km), an Ironman distance (226km), climb the Trig track 25 times or commit to daily movement.

“We initially were going to call it Walk with You Waihī Beach, but we want it to be inclusive of everyone, whether you’re in a wheelchair, can walk or run,” said Cindy Clare, community coordinator with Live Well Waihī Beach, which leads the campaign.

Waihī Beach lifeguards Isabel Shaw and Paige Hickisey. Photo / Supplied

Clare said no matter what age or fitness level; the core objectives are to get people outdoors and spending time with each other exploring Waihī Beach and caring about each other’s health and wellbeing.

Events during October include ECHO Walking Festival specific hikes, Young at Heart gentle walks, Pilates in the Park and a finale event at the Waihī Beach Surf Lifesaving Club with gumboot throwing on the beach, a speaker sharing about mental health, and a prize draw for a stand-up paddleboard.

Participants enjoying the Whānau Dash & Splash Mud Walk on October 5. Photo / Supplied

“The challenge is free to enter, everyone who signs up and is there at the event is also entered into the draw for an inflatable paddleboard – to be given away at the final celebration,” Clare said.

Individuals and teams can track their progress on paper or via Strava, and participants are encouraged to share their adventures online with the hashtag #movewithyouwaihibeach.

Participants in the Whānau Dash & Splash Mud Walk heading to the Mayor View Fire Brigade’s Decon shower which sprays water. Photo / Supplied

The month launched on October 5 with a muddy, memorable start – the Whānau Dash & Splash Mud Walk, which saw more than 70 people cross the estuary from Athenree Reserve to Bowentown Boating Club in knee-deep water and plenty of mud. The Mayor View Fire Brigade was waiting at the other end to hose people down.

Reon Tuanau opened the Whānau Dash & Splash event on October 5 with some words about how important it is for the community to care for one another and uplift each other. Photo / Supplied

The event encouraged bright costumes and big smiles, with local hapū representative Reon Tuanau opening the day by reminding participants of the deep connection between our wellbeing and our environment: “He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata – if the environment is healthy, so are the people.”

“What was special about this event, was how all the community groups came together to support it – the fire brigade, surf lifesaving club, the boating club as well as some local businesses – Athenree Hot Springs and Hairwaves Waihī Beach sponsoring it,” Clare said.

Emergency crew members Mel Gearon, Steve Webster, Serra Fisher, Paul Tucker and Kristen Gillard. Photo / Supplied

MOVE with You is aligned with Gumboot Friday, a national initiative supporting youth mental health, and encourages people of all ages and abilities to come together, check in with one another, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of movement in nature.

For full event details, visit the Live Well Waihī Beach Facebook page to sign up or track your activity on Strava at: www.strava.com/clubs/MOVE2025