On 1 October 2027, Maurice Bevin will begin walking the 3,000 km Te Araroa Trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff, aiming to complete the journey in under 90 days to raise awareness for rare diseases and the families who live with them every day. More than 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. Many families spend years searching for a diagnosis, while some children die before the condition affecting them is identified. This mission seeks to give those families a voice.
About Maurice
Kiwi born and raised; Māori heritage (Ngati Rahiri, Te Atiawa); former Navy medic; 28 years as a saturation diver; current Diving Client Representative; supported his former partner through two rare diseases for eight years; completed John O'Groats to Land's End (1,465 km) in 33 walking days; completed the 135 km Mt Taranaki road circuit in under 24 hours; undertaking four months of altitude training in Mexico before Te Araroa.
Why Rotary New Zealand
This is not a sponsorship proposal. It is an invitation for Rotary New Zealand to become a partner in a national and international awareness mission. Rotary's nationwide network makes it uniquely positioned to help create a Rotary Relay of Support from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
The Rotary Relay of Support
Participating clubs may provide accommodation, local assistance, route knowledge, community connections, and help move support gear between locations. Each club becomes part of a nationwide relay carrying both Maurice and the rare disease message through Aotearoa.
International Dimension
The walk takes place in New Zealand, but the message is global. Discussions have begun with Rotary San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. The objective is to build a New Zealand-led initiative capable of attracting international awareness and media attention for rare diseases through Rotary's worldwide network
What Maurice Is Asking
Introduce the mission to Rotary clubs; help establish the Rotary Relay of Support; assist with accommodation and route logistics; coordinate movement of support gear; promote rare disease awareness through Rotary networks; and help build national and international visibility for the mission.
Conclusion
This is more than a walk. It is an opportunity to give a voice to families living with rare diseases and create a message of hope that extends beyond New Zealand. One person may walk the trail, but no individual can carry this mission alone. Together, Rotary New Zealand and Maurice can carry the message from Cape Reinga to Bluff, and from New Zealand to the world.