"After doing a Google search, though, most were enthusiastic, even excited about the prospect of supporting Rangatahi to eventually reach the Bluff from Cape Reinga, even if completion is achieved in sections over a lifetime," he said.
"By utilising, promoting and appreciating the beautiful environment and spirit of Te Araroa, we have a chance to heal our nation. There's more chance finding solutions on Te Araroa than incarcerating people in prison or in a psychiatric ward."
Napier woman Michelle Ratima, who joined the January hikoi, believed a programme taking in the trail would be ideal in assisting first-time offenders.
"You learn more about yourself, and become more aware of what's around you."
Ngati Kuri kaumatua Rupene Mare said the walk's vision of a journey of discovery had much merit and could bring different classes of people together.
"The cultural realities of our Maori youth today, and even their whanau, is not the same as it was 40 years ago - the Pakeha view of the Maori world is also different from the same time period," he said.
"Therefore having both on the walk together regardless of the reasons, will inevitably change them both by the end of the journey."
Te Araroa's chief executive, Rob Wakelin, had not seen the details of the proposal but said it was "exactly along the lines of what we are trying to promote".
Mr Magill has approached bodies, including Workforce Development and YMCA National, about launching a programme and has been encouraged by the response.