Whānau are showing up for their hauora by joining Hīkoi and Kōrero, a walking group organised by Whaitara Health Improvement Practitioner, Tracey Zehnder.
The rōpū gather outside Whaitara Health Centre every Monday at 10am, rain or shine, and then head off at whatever pace suits them best.
Most weeks there are two walking routes happening simultaneously – one smaller loop best suited to kaumātua, and another that heads off a bit further along the awa towards the beach or up the hill to the lookout for approximately 50 minutes.
“We’re flexible based on who turns up on the day and can adjust to suit everyone’s needs,” says Tracey, “Some people are regulars, some only come occasionally, but that’s the kaupapa, whānau can turn up if, and when they choose, there’s no pressure.”
“If I don’t do it I might lose the motivation, I’ve got to keep going. Sometimes I think I’ll just do one loop, but once I start I think, nah I’ll do two!” says an 82-year-old regular who’s been coming every week for months now.
And whānau are finding that while the physical benefits are rewarding, it’s the social interaction and connection that keeps them coming back.
One member was referred to the group by her GP after finding things a bit tough when she retired. “I was lacking the motivation to leave the house, and started to feel a bit down, but joining this group has turned things around for me,” she said.
Tracey is really pleased to see the bond everyone has created. “No-one knew each other before, but now they’re a group of people who all care about one another and share a common goal to improve their hauora,” she says.
A recent study published in Lancet Public Health journal found that walking 7000 steps a day reduces the risk of a broad range of serious health issues, such as people’s risk of dementia falling by 38%, depression dropping 22% and diabetes decreasing 14%.
These results have been mirrored within the walking group.
Whānau who have been diagnosed with diabetes have seen their blood sugar levels drop, impressing their doctor with their results. One member commented her blood glucose levels went from 72 to 62 in a matter of months.
It’s all these outcomes that bring Tracey a lot of satisfaction, “I find it really fulfilling as a health professional, to see a kaupapa develop, gain momentum and to see people experience the benefits,” she says.
Tracey, who’s also a Registered Nurse, drew inspiration for Hīkoi and Kōrero from Te Whare Tapa Whā, the Māori holistic health model developed by Sir Mason Durie that describes overall wellbeing as four wharenui walls being in balance with a strong foundation.
“Walking outside in nature and having meaningful kōrero covers all bases of Te Whare Tapa Whā,” says Tracey, “Benefits to taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing), taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha whānau (family and social wellbeing) and connecting with the whenua (land) are all achieved through this kaupapa.”
To join the Hīkoi and Kōrero group or to see Tracey at Whaitara Health Centre, you don’t have to be registered to the practice. She is able to see locals who needs awhi on a casual enrolment basis. Best of all, there is no cost for her services which is funded through Pinnacle – Midlands Health Network.
“You can just turn up with the rest of us on Mondays at 10am, or you can make an appointment for a one on one consult with me first. Just so there’s a familiar face to ease any nerves,” she says, “But as soon as I notice there’s anyone new I support them into the group so they feel included and comfortable, and everyone always introduces themselves – it’s a very welcoming space.”