Auckland man to run seven marathons in seven days for children’s charity
A runner will complete seven marathons in as many days to raise money for underprivileged children.
West Auckland man Harrison Sanders, 23, said he wanted to experience a struggle, and encourage others to make a change with him.
“There are tens upon thousands of kiwis children that are going without food and the basic essentials to get by over this time of joy,” he said.
“So this year, I wanted to help out those who are in need over this time of joy.”
The primary school teacher will complete the runs from December 13 to 19, starting from Hobsonville School and running around west Auckland.
“The route will be the same every day, and I would love people to join in for parts of it whether it be running, biking, scootering, or even driving alongside,” Sanders said.
He has partnered with Pak n Save Westgate, Breaker and Tuatara Baseball, and every $100 raised will supply a child with a $75 Pak n Save voucher, $25 towards school stationary and a free sports ball.
Sanders previously ran 45km a week in the space of a year to raise money for mental health, alzheimers and epilepsy charities.
“Nothing prepares you for this amount though. So I look forward to the mental game I will be faced with,” he said.
“The route will be the same every day, and I would love people to join in for parts of it whether it be running, biking, scootering, or even driving alongside.”
He has set up a Givealittle to receive donations.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
.
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
-
84.6% Yes
-
13.9% No
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.