Rebecca Cox has set herself a tough challenge - she is walking the length of New Zealand with the aim of raising $60,000 for Oxfam's rural training centres in Vanuatu.
The architectural designer passed through Wanganui yesterday on her way south, having so far raised over $7000 towards her goal. "I became interested in the work being done in Vanuatu and I was motivated by a kind of 'geeky' architectural perspective to begin with because they are building some amazing cyclone-proof structures there," she said.
"Vanuatu has such a young population and the education programmes that Oxfam is running there are fantastic because they are building foundations and not just providing band-aid solutions."
Ms Cox has completed Oxfam's annual Trailwalker Challenge in Taupo where teams of four take on the challenge of completing 100km in 36 hours and it inspired her to take on her current quest.
"I gave up my job and my flat to set out from Cape Reinga at Labour Weekend and my parents have given me amazing support.