Well Wāhine Week will kick off this year with a sunrise hikoi up Titirangi maunga on Saturday 26 February.
For ten days, Whiti Ora and local providers will celebrate the women of Tairāwhiti, hosting a range of activities in which women and girls can take part. There are over 50 free events from 33 providers, including surfing, waka ama, group fitness classes and workshops around women’s health and wellbeing.
Vesna Radonich, International Paddling Coach, delivered a Have-a-go Waka Ama at last year’s Well Wāhine Week. “Just watching the smiles on their faces,” she says, “the laughs of excitement and knowing the appreciation that they got to give Waka Ama a go was the highlight for me.”
The kaupapa of Well Wāhine is to remove the barriers that women and girls may face when participating in sport, active recreation and play. The ten days is all about trying something new, getting out of your comfort zone, meeting new people and overcoming the prerequisite that you must be good at something to start.
“Last year was such a success,” says Sarah Pocock, Active Communities Advisor. “It was inspiring to see all these strangers coming together with all the fear and pressure removed. The vibe was friendly and adventurous. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!”
Vaccine Pass requirements are subject to the provider’s event. Some events will require them. For those that do not require Vaccine Passes, these events will be limited to under 25 participants. For those that do require Vaccine Passes, these events will be limited to under 100 participants. More information on which events require Vaccine Passes can be found on the Whiti Ora website.
To view the full calendar of events, more information about Vaccine Passes and to register for an event, click here.
So, check out the calendar, grab your whānau and try it, love it, be it!