Every Entry Counts – Register for Hīkoi Māwhero 2026 and Support Local Breast Cancer Patients
With the annual Hīkoi Māwhero fast approaching on 3 October, health providers and the community are coming together once again to raise awareness, show solidarity and fundraise crucial pūtea for breast cancer support.
Team Lead Māori Community Health Outreach Nurse, Emily Toimata-Holtham, points out that this year the funds raised will go directly towards providing oncology massage for local Porirua breast cancer patients navigating their recovery and ongoing health journey.
“We’re directing the funds towards something we know helps our whānau right here in Porirua. Oncology massage can offer comfort, relaxation and support during what is often a challenging and emotional journey,” says Emily.
For some breast cancer survivors and patients, beating the disease is only the beginning of a lifelong management journey. Local patient Kriz Hema knows this reality firsthand. Diagnosed in 2023, Kriz underwent surgery and radiation therapy, and while the treatment successfully removed the cancer, she developed brachial plexus neuropathy and lymphoedema which led to painful fluid build-up and swelling.
For Kriz, oncology massage has been an essential lifeline. Unlike standard deep-tissue treatment, oncology massage uses a specialised gentle touch technique designed to safely assist fluid drainage, relieving pressure and restoring mobility.
“The gentle touch massage helps alleviate the pain,” explains Kriz. “As long as I get the massage, it’s bearable. It’s not just one thing either – it’s a whole wraparound service with a combination of other therapies that can help.”
Caption: Kriz Hema loves the bush walks along the awa. Oncology massage supports her to keep active and do more things she used to do before her cancer diagnosis.
Despite its life-changing benefits for sufferers like Kriz, oncology massage remains financially out-of-reach for most patients. Due to the lack of trained specialised therapists and high costs, Kriz emphasises how vital community support is to make these therapies accessible.
“I’m lucky to have my therapy subsidised, because if it wasn’t I wouldn’t be able to afford it. I went through a lot of worry when the pain returned about six months after getting the all clear - I thought my cancer was back! It was terrible waiting for the next specialist appointment to get my questions answered – it was people from the support group I went to who explained I might have lymphoedema,” she says.
By taking part and registering for Hīkoi Māwhero, participants help raise funds to make these essential restorative massages accessible to more Porirua breast cancer patients and survivors who rely on them for daily comfort and recovery.
Image 2: Emily Toimata-Holtham organises Hīkoi Māwhero to encourage conversations, promotes awareness and inspire more whānau to prioritise their health by attending regular screening appointments.
Public awareness and early detection remain core goals during the Hīkoi Māwhero campaign. This is Emily’s 4th year organising the walk at this scale, and she says it’s just one of the things she can do to help.
Driven by a desire to remove every possible barrier to health care, Emily constantly extends her skills to meet people where they are – including undergoing additional training to provide on-the-spot screening for cervical cancer, and taking extra time during appointment visits to allow for a debrief over a cup of tea.
“This role is about supporting women, and tāne, to screen and be supported throughout their journey. It’s important to make sure we do our best for our patients because I truly believe in what I do – it is making a difference and it’s saving lives,” says Emily.
Whether it is enabling local patients like Kriz to access crucial oncology massage, or supporting dedicated health workers like Emily in spreading life-saving awareness, your participation in Hīkoi Māwhero directly impacts lives in our local community.
“At the end of the day, we want our people to live longer and live well,” says Emily reminds us. “Screening is about early detection – and screening saves lives.”
Don’t wait – gather your whānau, friends and colleagues, dress in māwhero, and register today!