In August of this year, This is ME® representatives hosted a number of community engagement sessions with the communities of Morrinsville and Te Aroha to understand the barriers and challenges women and girls experience when it comes to getting active.

Following these forums, a joint working group of local volunteers have been formed to guide the delivery of strategies to support women and girls in the Matamata/Piako district to move more. As a result of discussions held with community members, it was highlighted the desire for more activities that the whole family could partake in along with using resources and spaces that are readily available.

Along with This is ME® and Sport Waikato representatives the working group have been working together to plan and deliver their first community activation for women and girls, and their families. From November 30^th – December 8^th is the Piako Walking Festival, an event encouraging locals to get out and about and explore their ‘backyard’.

With opportunities for all, the festival highlights local walks including around Morrinsville town, Te Aroha Wetlands and the more challenging Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve. The working group hope to inspire families to head out for a walk after school or in the weekends and with the summer holidays right around the corner, encourage locals to explore the district and greater Waikato region.