Perennial social-justice battler and former Napier businessman Pat Magill seems never short of ideas, even at the age of 89.
To mark the occasion, even if a day or two early, he walked 60km across Auckland.
But it's "not about me," he says of his latest exercise to promote the most urban sector of the Te Araroa Trail, a 3000km Cape Reinga to Bluff footprint he wants others to follow as an "an affordable Outward Bound" in coming to grips with the problems of at-risk communities, families and people throughout the country.
He was one of only two of a mainly Napier group to complete the three-day exercise, which supporter Minnie Ratima said was an inspiration to all involved, including the youngest, a 14-year-old who also walked the distance.
"Pat's just amazing," said Ms Ratima, who returned to Napier yesterday. She started the walk with the group at the Auckland Ferry Terminal on Saturday but left Mr Magill to walk with daughter-in-law Jo Magill on the last leg yesterday from Puhinui Reserve, Manurewa, to Totara Park, a short distance from the Manukau CBD.