Walking for Life hikoi put on hold

Ivan Miller

A man on a mission to walk around New Zealand to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide prevention has put a pause on his hikoi.

Ivan Miller started his Walking for Life journey the weekend after Waitangi Day 2019. He has clocked up 4802 kilometres and raised $6,663 for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

He did this because he has experienced mental health issues — stemming from being sexually abused as a child and leading to a breakdown when he was 32.

After making it to Gisborne a couple weeks ago he started walking along the East Coast highway.

Following the Covid-19 announcement on Saturday, Ivan decided to delay the rest of his hikoi because of roadblocks planned for Hicks Bay (see front page story).

“While I am gutted I am unable to complete the hikoi or have my party (when he gets to Cape Reinga) I completely understand and support the lockdown. I

“I am sure people remember the stories of how badly the flu decimated the local population 100 years ago.”

His last stop was at Te Araroa. Ivan's cousin drove from Rotorua yesterday to collect him. He will stay at her house for the next few weeks while he plans his next steps.

“During that time I will be sharing ideas of how to take care of our mental health during these times with specific examples of what I am doing for mine.

“I am hoping I can clock up some big mileage around Rotorua and Taupo, maybe start filling in the inside of my map. This would be done with every precaution.”

He has thought about going back to Napier and walking over the Napier/Taupo hills when everything has calmed down.

“I need to wait and see how things play out in coming days. Walking for Life is not over, it's just paused.”

His experience on the East Coast had been beautiful, he said.

“It has been amazing — full of love and kindness. I have never experienced so many hongi in my life. It's a beautiful new experience for me.

“I am glad I got to experience it before protocols around hongi, handshakes and hugs discouraged it so strongly.”

Ivan had the chance to spend time with Travis Tawera, who has been helping men who struggle with mental health through hunting, fishing, diving and being outdoors.

Travis walked with Ivan from Te Puia Springs to Ruatoria in support of Walking for Life.

Ivan spoke at Te Ariuru Marae in Tokomaru Bay at an event organised by Pania Te Paiho Marsh of Wahine Toa Hunting.

Pania has been visiting marae in the region to listen to people's stories and take photos of those lost to suicide to represent them at the now-cancelled Together, Never Alone rally on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Palmerston North on April 18.

“I went there (Te Ariuru Marae)with Travis. I wasn't expecting to be asked to speak but I was warmly received by everyone,” said Ivan.

“This region has been one of the friendliest I have been to.”