Door knocking serves higher goal

Te Rakau Paul is losing weight to help raise money for Tumahaurangi Marae to upgrade their wharekai Karenga. Photo / Ben Fraser

Te Rakau Paul is dropping kilograms while raising money to help his marae gain a new wharekai.

The 38-year-old has started a 10-week challenge to lose weight and will be walking the natural boundaries of Tumahaurangi, Te Koutu Pa seeking sponsorship from households and businesses to raise money to upgrade Karenga, the wharekai (dining hall) at Tumahaurangi Marae.

Mr Paul said he had first had the original fundraiser idea late last year.

"It was in December, my brother and I were picking my daughter up from the airport so she could attend the New Zealand Sports Academy and I was thinking of doing kilometres for cash. My brother said, you're carrying a bit of weight on you, you should do kilos for cash."

He is planning to knock on doors within the Te Koutu Pa boundaries, being from the tip of Ngongotaha mountain, Aorangi down through Pukehangi, to the Utuhina river, down to Lake Rotorua, along the shores of Te Koutu and Kawaha Point then back up to Te Puna o Tuhoe (Fairy Springs). Tumahaurangi has in recent years had their wharenui and carvings refurbished as well as a new toilet facility built.

The marae trustees have all given permission and support Mr Paul on his fundraiser for Karenga.

His weigh-in was held yesterday through Te Papa Takaro of Te Arawa through Gold Gym. Weighing in at 150.95kgs he aimed to lose at least 20kg. Mr Paul recently returned home after having lived in Australia for the past four years.

"It's wonderful being back. There's nothing like being home where you can be your natural self. I can be tangata whenua again. I was sick and have gotten better through rongomai as well as Pakeha medicine. I'm ready to do this walk. I came home to give back, to lose some weight and give back to my marae.

"It's my turangawaeawe. I remember running around here as kids, my family have been here all their lives. My grandparents lived up the road, all my aunties about 70 per cent are all family. "I just want people to be aware if they are in these boundaries that I am coming and if they do see my moko face, not be scared off. I just want to give back to my marae and all the money will go to the marae trustees for a new wharekai."