A sold-out trail run raised thousands of dollars for predator control to bring kiwi back to Muriwai, an hour northwest of Auckland.
Last year, 600 runners ran past sand dunes, through pockets of native bush and along rugged coastal cliffs in Muriwai, so that one day, kiwi might too.
On any other day, you’d be more likely to see predator free volunteers carrying backpacks of dried rabbit and screwdrivers, checking traps. But on this chosen Sunday in October, the trapline was a racecourse for the inaugural Muriwai Half Marathon and Fun Run.
The route explored the highlights of 2,000 hectares that the Muriwai Environmental Trust has been restoring for the past decade through weeding, replanting and predator control. Reducing the number of introduced mammals, such as rats and stoats, that kill native birds is the foundation for a healthier environment.
By the end of the day, the event raised thousands of dollars to increase predator control, and perhaps more importantly, buoyed community spirit.
“Kiwi running for kiwi”
Boyd Steel knows every rise and dip of the course. As the predator free coordinator, he usually runs it with a backpack of trapping equipment and his brothers by his side, checking traps set to catch rats and stoats.
On race day, hundreds of others followed Boyd’s footsteps, getting a first-hand glimpse of the diverse nature of Muriwai.
Along the Korowai Dunes, runners puffed past the home of the threatened korowai gecko and kororā (blue penguin).
Then came the cool shade of native and forestry trees.
Breeding programmes have done a great job of bolstering kiwi numbers, and, given the need for large home ranges, New Zealand needs more high-quality, safe wild habitat for kiwi.
“Our dream is for kiwi to return to Muriwai and live in the wild.
“Kiwi are kind of a figurehead because all the work we do getting ready for their return benefits so many other wildlife species we have here. The fewer introduced predators, the better for everything,” says Boyd.
Trustee Steve Whitaker says returning kiwi is a vision that sits alongside their work running a native plant nursery and controlling invasive weeds. At its heart, the dream relies on partnerships with mana whenua, the Department of Conservation, Save the Kiwi, Auckland Council, and, of course, the locals.
“You can’t relocate kiwi to a place if the community isn’t fully behind it,” Boyd agrees.
As it turns out, more than 600 others also believe it is something worth running towards.
A race day to remember
Lactic Turkey Events handled the race logistics, including a half-marathon, a 7km run/walk, and a 2.5km family run/walk.
The event brought together two of Boyd’s passions: running and conservation.
“I’m so obsessed with our birds and wildlife, and I love trail running. I want everyone to try it. It’s a great way to get out there and get mental clarity,” he says.
Steve agrees, noting that trail running or walking is where many people form a strong connection to nature.
At the finish line, runners were handed a medal and a native seedling (propagated from their nursery), then let loose to enjoy food trucks, music, local art, recovery massage for sore legs, face painting, and a live t-shirt printing stall.
It wasn’t designed to draw big crowds from around the country; it was by the community for the community, with plenty of local business sponsorship, including local beer brewery Hallertau brewing a special Predator Free Pale Ale.
Feedback exceeded expectations.
“Even runners who regularly attend events felt like ours had a positive vibe, a deeper purpose and ran smoothly. I think it just came down to the passion of our team in wanting to showcase our community and area,” Steve says.
More than a race
The event offered the community a bright spot after the long, difficult recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
“So many houses were red stickered. There are still empty houses here. It’s taking a long time to heal, and the scars of the storm are still prominent on the cliffs. Having something to bring everyone together is really cool,” Boyd says.
The Trust plans to grow the event, pair again with Lactic Turkey Events and local businesses, and aim to attract more runners.
They believe the winning formula is simple: you care more about something you’ve experienced first-hand. Hearing about Muriwai and its unique nature is informative, but experiencing it creates a lasting connection and a sense of care.
