A local charity in Tauranga and the Western Bay is calling on residents to lace up their shoes this October for The Good Walk – a month-long fundraiser supporting Good Neighbour’s community initiatives.

Participants are invited to take on the 30 Laps in 30 Days Challenge, with every step helping fund food rescue, youth mentoring, backyard projects, and more.

“Whether you’re walking around your local school, retirement village, neighbourhood, or Mauao, every step taken is a step towards positive transformation in our community,” said Good Neighbour general manager Renee Hanna.

Good Neighbour is a charity that exists to bring the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga together to transform our community, said Hanna.

This year Good Neighbour was recognised with the Heart of Community and Best Collaborative Charity awards.

The numbers behind their mahi (work) last year speak volumes, said Hanna.

Good Neighbour rescued 662 tonnes of food – worth $4.8 million per year – from supermarkets, food-based organisations and growers, preventing nearly six million kilograms of carbon emissions.

“This food instead of going to landfill was distributed through more than 80 charities to ensure it went to the homes in most need,” said Hanna.

Good Neighbour also cooked more than 14,000 meals for families in need; produced more than 400cu m of firewood from rescued logs and delivered it to homes facing a cold winter; completed more than 165 backyard projects for individuals overwhelmed by practical circumstances; picked 31,000kg of fruit from local backyards instead of it rotting; and supported 40 high school students with mentoring and life-skills training, helping them towards a positive future.

“All of this powered by 26,000 volunteer hours, impacting 7500 people every week,” said Hanna. “These are more than just numbers, they represent real lives being changed.”

She said one of last week’s recipients of a backyard project shared that “it’s allowed me to sleep”.

“I used to cry looking at the mess outside. I had no one to help. Good Neighbour took that weight off my shoulders. Now I can breathe. I can heal. I have a life to live.”

Hanna said there is more mahi to come.

“In 2026 Good Neighbour will triple its youth mentoring programme to support 120 students, and complete the fit-out of a brand-new collaborative facility that will allow multiple community organisations to work together, wrapping care and support around whānau facing complex life challenges.”

For people who want to give back to their community this year, Hanna said: “Why don’t you get involved in this challenge and be a part of making a difference!”

She said getting involved in The Good Walk is simple. “Register solo or as a team and take on the 30 Laps in 30 Days challenge throughout October. Gather sponsorships – and remember, every dollar raised will be matched by our funders, doubling your impact!”

This was thanks to Carmel Country Estate, Holland Beckett Law, One.nz and Foodstuffs Bay of Plenty, said Hanna.

“Whether it’s through volunteering, financial giving, or business sponsorship, everyone has something valuable to offer. The Good Walk is your chance to be part of that impact!”

Sign up or learn more at: www.goodneighbour.co.nz