18 Aug 2008

Day One: Pukekohe to Pokeno

It was an early start for day one of Walk NZ with the team all receiving their hotel wake-up calls at 5.15am. We arrived at Pukehoe Netball Courts a little after 6.30am to a crowd of supporters, sponsors and media to enjoy an early breakfast and the day’s formalities.

Seventeen supporters who purchased walking positions during our Gala Dinner Auction earlier in the year were provided with North Face jackets and hats and joined our team of walkers and sponsors for a group blessing by the TKM.

At 8am the ex-CEO of TOLL NZ and current KiwiRail CEO David Jackson sounded the starter horn and the group were lead out by Police Commissioner Heather Wells and myself. We had a group of around thirty people for the first 3km then a breakaway group of five for the remaining 18km.

My old mate Darryl Tuffey came along for the day as he heard there was a chance the media would be there and is always looking for an opportunity to promote himself!! But seriously it was great to have him along to keep me company and his endless banter encouraged me to try to get to the finish line even faster!

All in all Day One was a great success. Perfect weather, a fantastic turnout and no blisters (touch wood!!). See you all tomorrow!

CC

 

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