09 Feb Hīkoi 4 Life Honoured at Ngāti Kahungunu Well-being Symposium

At the Toi Tangata Hui ā Tau 2024, we listened to the narratives of Christina Hokianga and Jack Fraser as they shared their experiences with Hīkoi4Life. A week later, our kaimahi Chelsea had the opportunity to be in attendance with Les Hokianga, founder of Hīkoi4Life, as he took to the stage at the Ngāti Kahungunu Māori and Indigenous Hauora, Rongoā and Well-being Symposium.

Hīkoi4Life was awarded three taonga: Tuarongo Taonga for Emotional Well-being – Individual; Hawaiiki Tu Taonga for Physical Well-being – Organisation; and Reiora Taonga for Overall Supreme Award for Organisation.

As the visionary behind Hīkoi4Life, Les reflected on his sources of inspiration paying homage to his father, whānau, and the supportive embrace of his community. Fourteen years on, Hīkoi4Life stands as a centre of wellness in Heretaunga, not only as a hub for whānau seeking support services in taha tinana, taha hinengaro and taha wairua, but also as active participants in community engagement particularly in nurturing the wellbeing of our rangatahi and kaumātua. The tireless efforts of Les and his dedicated team epitomises the core values of rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and aroha.

While the recognition of their work at the Awards ceremony came as no surprise to many, it nevertheless fills us with immense pride and joy. It is heartening to witness this acknowledgment of their mahi – mahi undertaken not for accolades, but for the commitment to their mission.

As longstanding partners of Hīkoi4Life, Toi Tangata extends our warmest congratulations to Les and his team for these well-deserved accolades, applauding not only their achievements but also their unwavering dedication to their kaupapa.