More than 1200 run for cause on Mother's Day

Jasmine Kitchen won a brand new bike, presented by Jennian Homes Northland owner Brett Yakas.

Mother's Day in the Bay of Islands became a powerful excuse for communities to have fun while raising funds and awareness for women's health issues.

More than 1200 people took part in the Jennian Homes Mother's Day Fun Run/Walk in Paihia on Sunday in support of women's heart health. The event, following a 6km or 8.7km route, was part of an annual nationwide initiative to support the Heart Foundation's "Go Red for Women" campaign.

St Francis Xavier Primary School in Whangarei will also benefit from the heart-health message with $2500 worth of Rebel Sport vouchers.

Schools were nominated by fun run/walk entrants when they signed on and St Francis Xavier Primary School in Whangarei had the highest number of nominations.

Meanwhile, breakfast really did prove the most important meal of the day when more than 400 Kerikeri people tucked in to help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Well over $5000 was whipped up - by selling 500 meals, refreshments, vintage car rides, auctions and raffles - when the Kerikeri Cooking Club held its annual Mother's Day Brunch in the garden of food and floral company, Flourflower.