FUN RUN - Fun run to raise forest awareness draws 250

Participants from around the country and further afield gathered in Tane Mahuta's shadow for the start of the second Waipoua Forest Fun Run/Walk.
Organised by Footprints Waipoua to raise awareness about preserving the great forest, the event attracted 250 competitors who trekked along the winding State Highway 12 over a 12km course on Sunday.
The fun run also attracted overseas attention - a group of Japanese competitors returned with Reborn Tourism Eco Tours to take part in their second event after they completed the inaugural run last year.
Fourteen-year-old Ryan Donahue was the first junior to cross the finish line and the Waipoua Forest Trust awarded the young runner with the chance to plant a baby kauri tree in the forest.
It is hoped the event will become an annual feature on the Far North's sporting calendar.