PREPARATION gUIDE Taranaki, 26-27 March 2022 - www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz - imgix

pREPARATION gUIDE
 Taranaki, 26-27 March 2022
1
 www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz

Welcome!
 We're so happy to HAVE you 
 Congratulations! You’ve made the first step to becoming an
 Oxfam Trailwalker and are now part of Aotearoa’s greatest team
 endurance event. In the months leading up to the event in
 March, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. This
 guide will help prepare you for the big weekend, including all you
 need to know about training, fundraising, and much more! Get
 ready for a life-changing adventure, tackling the injustices that
 lead to poverty around the world one step at a time. Welcome to
 the whānau.

 CONTENTS
 1 Your Preparation Guide 10 Top Tips
 2 Kia Ora 11 Support Crew
 3 Key Dates 13 Fundraising 101
 4 Your Checklist 14 Rewards
 5 Your Impact 15 Online Resources
 7 Destination Taranaki 16 Steps to Success
 8 Training 17 FAQs
 9 Pathway to the Finish 18 Event Partners

CHANGE LIVES
 with a life-changing
 adventure
1

KIA ORA
 Haere mai. Welcome to Oxfam Trailwalker. We're
 excited to launch our 17th Oxfam Trailwalker,
 and this year we'll be back will be in the
 stunning Taranaki region!

 Last year was one for the history books: a new
 location, a record number of participants, and
 an all-time high fundraising total – all in the
 midst of a global pandemic! Oxfam Trailwalker
 2022 is leading off with our best foot forward,
 and we can’t wait to see you there.

 In this booklet you’ll find heaps of helpful
 advice and guidance for your journey. A very
 strong message in this guide is one of our
 values – manaaki – care for your team and your
 support crew as well as the respect for the
 beautiful whenua we are lucky to walk across
 and the communities that are hosting us.

 I took part in Oxfam Trailwalker in 2016, and it Kia kaha for the days and weeks ahead as you
 was one of the most amazing experiences of train, prepare and fundraise. By saying ‘yes’ to
 my life. I will remember forever how it felt to the challenge of 50km or 100km, you're also
 cross that finish line – blisters and all – but I challenging the injustices of poverty, climate
 can’t stress enough how important preparation change and gender inequality - another value
 and training was to get us there. My feet wish I we know you share - tika - supporting what is
 took the advice about wet feet and wet socks! right and just, for all. You’ll change lives as you
 Please do take advantage of the tips and tricks embark on this adventure, and don't forget the
 we've put together for you and your team, and most important tip of all - have fun!
 support each other via the Oxfam Trailwalker
 Facebook page. Rachael Le Mesurier
 Executive Director and 2016 Trailwalker

 It all started in 1981….
 Oxfam Trailwalker began in 1981 as a military exercise for the elite Queen’s Gurkha
 Signals Regiment in Hong Kong. It is now one of the world’s greatest team challenges.
 The first Oxfam Trailwalker in Aotearoa was back in 2006 and since then over 19,000
 Kiwis have challenged themselves and challenged poverty to raise over $15 million
 through this iconic event. Thank you for joining us for Oxfam Trailwalker in 2022 –
 together we will make Trailwalker history!

2 PHOTO CREDITS: All photos by Artur Francisco, Belinda Bradley, Kate Bensen, and Collin Leafasia

KEY DATES
 August
 17TH: INFO SESSION #1 - TRAINING

 September
 28TH: INFO SESSION #2 - FUNDRAISING

 October
 19TH: INFO SESSION #3 - EVENT WEEKEND

 JANUARY
 31ST: ENTRIES CLOSE
 ALL TEAM MEMBERS AND SUPPORT
 CREW MUST BE REGISTERED ONLINE

 March
 25TH:  $2000 FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT
 DEADLINE
 25TH:  REGISTRATION AND BIB COLLECTION

 26TH -27TH: EVENT WEEKEND

 April
 30TH: FINAL FUNDRAISING DEADLINE

 Dates are subject to change. Check our
 website and Facebook for more information.

3

YOUR
 CHeck LIST ✅
 HERE IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE YOU ARE READY FOR OXFAM
 TRAILWALKER. THESE ARE SOME KEY MILESTONES ON YOUR ROAD TO
 SUCCESS.

 Schedule planning sessions with your Train, train, train. Use our online
 team, covering your game plan for both training guides
 fundraising and training
 Make sure you have met your minimum
 Recruit your support crew members
 fundraising before Friday 25 March
 Personalise your fundraising page and
 make use of all the online resources Plan timings of the route – what times
 are you aiming for? When will you arrive
 Promote your fundraising page via email/ and leave each Checkpoint?
 social media and start to plan your
 fundraising events Organise how you will get to the event.
 Remember you must be there to attend
 Book your accommodation in Taranaki – registration on Friday 25 March
 be quick, places sell out quickly
 Finalise all plans (including food!) with
 Check you have all the right gear. Find your support crew for the weekend
 out more by checking the Bivouac gear
 list online

 Follow Oxfam Trailwalker on Facebook for
 up-to-date advice and information ...AND YOU'RE READY TO GO!

4

Your impact
By participating in Oxfam Trailwalker, you are making the world
better. As you and your team prepare for this epic event, you are
raising vital funds to fight the injustices that cause poverty in
the Pacific and around the world. Together, you and your fellow
Oxfam Trailwalkers raise around $1 million each year.

Long-term development
Our work is focused on the systems that keep people trapped in
poverty, despite their incredible resilience and drive to change
things. We offer support and resources that people need to
survive and thrive, and ultimately to challenge the underlying
cause of the injustices they face in the key areas of economic,
climate and gender justice.

Responding to emergencies
When communities are struck by disaster, they need help fast.
Whether it’s an outbreak of disease, a natural disaster or a time
of conflict, we respond swiftly to emergencies – providing life-
saving aid, support and protection.

Right now, we’re responding to these emergencies. Once the
immediate danger has passed, we work with local partners
to help people rebuild their lives and businesses, and build
resilience that helps reduce the risk of future disasters.

Campaigning for change
We work in solidarity with local activist groups and partners to
hold governments and other powers to account, highlighting and
campaigning against unjust systems.

 Your fundraising makes a difference
 goes toward training to help farmers successfully
 $60 adapt to climate change

 can help fund oxygen cylinders and other
 $100
 equipment for hospitals and health centres

 can help provide vital hygiene and menstruation
 $250 education

When you walk,
you walk with Purpose
 As you walk and train for Oxfam Trailwalker, think about families in the
 Solomon Islands. rising seas are washing away their homes,

 but not their hope.
MEET SUSAN...
Susan and her family live in Kwailau village on the island of
Malaita, Solomon Islands.
Over the years, the shoreline has crept closer and closer to
her home, so that coconut trees that once stood on dry land
now sit in several inches of water when the tide comes in.
In the face of climate destruction, Susan and her family find
ways to survive.
Oxfam’s Kōtui programme is specifically designed to address
these issues and help women like Susan advocate for
themselves and their families, gain access to climate funds
and contribute to decision-making.

By fundraising, you are making a
real difference to susan and many
like her. Thank you.

6 6

DESTINATION
 Taranaki
 WE ARE BEYOND THRILLED TO HOST OXFAM TRAILWALKER IN THE
 
 STUNNING TARANAKI REGION!

 Taranaki is just around the corner, halfway
 between Auckland and Wellington – a region
 brimming with stunning natural wonders, unique
 attractions, and a world class arts scene. From
 museums, nature walks, culture and cuisine,
 to surfing and skiing; Taranaki has so much to
 offer. It's unique, it's legendary and it's seriously
 impressive.
 New Plymouth District Council and Venture
 Taranaki have been working closely with Oxfam
 Aotearoa in planning Oxfam Trailwalker 2022 and
 we greatly appreciate their support.

 “I’ll be back for as long as my body lets me. It’s a fantastic event to be part of that
 really helps me focus on what’s important and how much you can drive yourself and
 your team to achieve.”
 - EVAN, PAST OXFAM TRAILWALKER PARTICIPANT

7

Training
 Make a plan
 
 In your first team meeting, discuss your training approach, both together as a team, and
 individually, to reach your target time. Check when people are available for training, and
 schedule team training sessions and meetings into the calendar. Team walks should be
 non-negotiable as by training together, you get a sense of your team pace instead of
 just your individual pace.

 Put someone in charge
 At times you’ll need someone to take charge to ensure training doesn’t grind to a halt. We
 recommend this person is well organised, comfortable to speak up and has reasonable
 knowledge of good walking tracks (or is willing to research them).

 Train together on long walks
 And by long, we mean over 25 kilometres. You will each have different highs and lows on
 a long walk. By knowing about these before the event you’ll know how best to support
 each other when you need it most. It’s also a great time for talking team tactics, gear
 and food.

 Try and Test
 Try and test everything! It’s important to work out what works best for you. Train on
 different terrains with the gear you will use on event weekend, and it's important that
 you feel confident in your night-walking ability. Socks are a biggie, and you’ll soon know
 which ones you prefer and which ones help you stay blister-free.

 Record and update
 Update your online team page with training photos, stories and tracks covered. This
 helps your supporters connect with your journey and encourages people to donate.
 Keeping a record of your training distances and times will help your support crew with
 event weekend planning.

 TRAINING GUIDES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE

 Need some help getting started with your training?
 Our training guides can help you plan out each phase. With
 beginner, intermediate and advanced guides available you can
 start at the level that best suits you.
8

Pathway
 to the Finish
 TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BEST, EVEN WHEN THOSE TOUGH MOMENTS
 OCCUR (AND THEY WILL!) PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR GOAL SECTION BELOW.
 This a brilliant tool to grab when you’re feeling like things are a bit hard or
 frustrating. Being able to easily remind yourself why you are taking on this
 incredible challenge will make all the difference.

 I am doing Oxfam Trailwalker because Support crew are key to my event weekend
 plan. How will I get mine involved?

 When I cross the finish line I will
 Obstacles that could occur along my
 Oxfam Trailwalker journey are

 I will overcome these obstacles by
 Self-agreement
 (e.g. to reduce the chance of skipping a training
 session I will schedule them in advance) I agree to proactively plan my
 training and fundraising steps so I
 can successfully reach my goals. I
 agree to ask for help when needed
 from my team mates, family,
 It is important for me to complete this friends and Oxfam Trailwalker staff.
 Oxfam Trailwalker journey because
 I agree to have fun and celebrate
 each milestone along the way!
 Name
 Date

Preparation
 9 + Practice = Success + Fun

Top tips
 It’s extremely important you look after yourself and your team
 mates in training and during the event. Here are a few top tips
 we’ve compiled to make sure you have an enjoyable event.

 Your feet
 Blisters are the number one injury at Oxfam Trailwalker, followed closely by knee
 pain. Both problems can be prevented by having the right pair of worn-in shoes.
 Find the perfect shoes for you at Bivouac Outdoor. Regular sock changes are
 important too. Keep your feet dry; wet feet means more friction, which means a
 higher likelihood of blisters.

 See a professional
 If something hurts, don’t ignore it. Get professional advice and treatment so you
 don’t create a bigger problem out of a small one. Past participants especially
 recommend podiatrists, osteopaths, massage therapists and physios to help you
 stay on track.

 Keep warm
 It can get cold overnight on event weekend. Layers are your friend! You'll heat up
 and down depending on movement, time of day, temperature, and fatigue. Keep
 extras with your support crew so you can travel light on the trail.

 First Aid
 Paramedics will be stationed at each Checkpoint. However, each team is
 encouraged to carry a standard first aid kit during training and at the event (see
 the gear list). All participants are encouraged to learn the most up-to-date basic
 first-aid techniques.

 Take a break
 You should ensure you take adequate rest stops. The desire to finish the event
 should never override the need for personal safety. To prevent exhaustion, your
 team’s pace should be guided by the slowest team member.

10

Support crew
 Support crew are the unsung heroes of the event. They will provide
 your team with unconditional love, dedicated support and endless
 motivation throughout your Oxfam Trailwalker journey.
 Every team must have a support crew of at least two people. Your support crew will
 carry the bulk of your food and equipment and provide all the supplies your team
 needs so you can travel light on the trail. Only the basics are provided by Oxfam at
 each Checkpoint.

 Support crew game plan
 This will help ensure the event weekend runs smoothly for you, and is enjoyable for
 them too. Create a strategy for the event weekend with your support crew based on
 the areas mentioned below:

 Add your support crew to your online team page to ensure they get team
 newsletter emails, which are packed with event news, tips and advice.
 Practice your game plan by involving your support crew on long walks.

 Plan when you are likely to arrive at each Checkpoint based on your training
 times. There’s nothing worse than the team turning up before the support crew!
 Agree on a budget in advance. Work out who will cover fuel, food, drink and
 accommodation expenses.
 We recommend arranging local accommodation for the Friday, Saturday and
 Sunday nights in Taranaki. There is no accommodation available on the trail.

11

Food and drink 
 Determine what food you will need from your support crew and when. You should aim to
 eat at every Checkpoint, even small snacks, to keep up your energy.

 Logistics ⏰
 Prepare a schedule of team members’ requirements for each Checkpoint. The more
 organised your support crew are the more you can relax. Consider having labelled plastic
 bins for each team member to store their changes of clothes and specific requirements.

 Communications 
 Make a plan for how you will notify your support crew of your upcoming arrival at
 Checkpoints. For safety, your support crew should have at least one mobile phone with
 them at all times. We recommend walkers have two mobiles on different networks. Make
 sure you and your support crew have the ability to charge your phones along the way so
 you can always stay in contact.

 Injuries 
 Blisters are the most common injury, so your support crew should be well versed in how
 to help your team prevent them. Have a handy supply of blister prevention and strapping
 tape on-hand to reapply along the way.

12

Fundraising 101 ✏
 The core aim of Oxfam Trailwalker is about raising money to help
 end the injustices of poverty. Here are some tips to help you out.

 Sponsor yourself Seek matched DONATIONS
 By showing others how much you care from your workplace
 about fighting poverty, you’ll inspire Many Oxfam Trailwalkers find workplaces
 them to donate to your page. The more get onboard too, matching donations you
 generous you are the more likely they will raise, dollar for dollar. Let them know you
 follow your lead. can post their logo on your team page –
 everyone likes acknowledgement. Why
 not ask yours?
 Get social
 Share your team page and story, and
 post frequent updates about how you Use the resources online
 are tracking. At every opportunity include
 We have a great range of resources online
 a link to your fundraising page. Having
 to help you fundraise, such as email
 a team Facebook page will also help
 templates, banners, posters and more!
 increase your reach.
 These resources are free to use and are
 always available.
 Raise your target
 When you have reached your initial target, Email everyone
 keep up the momentum and increase it
 further! People are more likely to continue Email everyone you know. The more they
 to support you if you haven’t yet reached know why you are doing it the more likely
 your target. they will support you. You will have greater
 success in receiving donations if your
 contacts are seeing both Facebook posts
 Reach more supporters and emails from you. Talk about your
 through the media team, any upcoming fundraising events
 you have and why you are doing Oxfam
 In our fundraising resources online, there Trailwalker!
 is a media kit that explains how you can
 use the media to spread the word.

13

Rewards
 Gone the extra mile? We want to celebrate by acknowledging you with a few
 little extras along the way.
 We have rewards for those who are achieving great things individually and as a team.
 Reach the following fundraising goals and celebrate your success with these rewards.

 RAISE Rewards
 individual

 Oxfam Trailwalker 4ever cup
 $750
 One of New Zealand’s most sustainable
 alternatives to single-use takeaway cups - a
 Deadline 25 March
 trophy for achieving great things!

 Exclusive Oxfam Trailwalker 2022 Buff
 $2,000 for each team member

 Deadline 25 March

 One support crew able to walk a leg
 $3,000 with you for that extra moral support!
 TEAM

 To ensure this is done safely, this milestone
 Deadline 6 March
 must be achieved before the deadline.

 You and your team are in the draw to
 $5,000
 win a trip to Vanuatu, courtesy of Air
 Vanuatu and Warwick Hotels
 Deadline 30 April

 FUNDRAISING DEALS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THESE Event partners

 Bivouac: 10% of purchase R-Line: $5 per bottle of R-Line donated to your team
 donated to your team
 Wireless Nation: $50 donated to your team when
 Out Wear: 20% of purchase you sign up for one of their broadband plans
 donated to your team
 BOOSTER WINE GROUP: $40 team sponsorship for
 every 12 bottles of wine ordered

14 Check out these deals and more, by visiting www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/fundraisingdeals

Online
 resources
 to help you
 We have a range of great training and fundraising resources
 for you to use. Here’s a selection of what we offer on our
 website.

 SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
 Share with your friends and family to update them of your progress
 and ask for donations.

 Email SIGNATURE banner
 For adding to your email so everyone knows you’re taking part in
 Oxfam Trailwalker.

 Media kit
 Reach out to local media to profile the amazing challenge you are
 taking on.

 Posters
 So you can print for your workplaces and more.

 Training guides
 Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an expert, there is a
 guide to suit you.

 Support Crew guide
 Keep your support crew up-to-date on everything they need to
 know to support you on your journey. Download your support
 crew checklist on our website here www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/
 SupportCrew

 Event guide and walker directions
 All the information you need for the big weekend. This will be
 available on our website closer to the event weekend - don't worry,
 we'll let you know when it's available!

15

Steps to
 success 
 Here is an outline of what past Oxfam Trailwalker teams have raised from
 specific fundraising activities to help you reach your fundraising milestones.

 Matched donations from employer $2000
 Auction $1000
 Corporate sponsorship $500-2000
 Quiz night $850
 Sell Trade Aid chocolate $770
 Movie night $750
 Garden party $650
 Sell lunches at work $550
 Zumba Class $400
 Burger and beer afternoon $450
 Dinner party $400
 Bake sale $350
 Sausage sizzle $350
 Casual Friday gold coin donation $300
 Themed morning tea $300
 Kids’ pool party $300
 Christmas crackers sale $250
 Sell team t-shirts $250

16

FAQs
What is the fundraising commitment? Why
is it important?
As part of Oxfam Trailwalker, all teams commit to raising $2000.
The money you raise will help to save and improve lives in
countries around the world and bring real change to people
living in poverty. We are here to help you reach your goal –
check out the ideas in this guide or on our website.

How do I get offline funds or money from a
fundraising event onto my team page?
The easiest option is to make a card payment to your team
page and bank the offline amount. Simply make a donation
to your team in the name of the organisation/event. For bank
transfer details please email info@oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz

How do I upgrade my fundraising
commitment?
Congratulations on reaching your fundraising target! It’s
as easy as logging into your account and adjusting your
commitment. Historically, almost 80% of teams who increased
their commitment successfully reached or exceeded their new
target. An awesome result!

How do we use our team page to fundraise?
Your team page is the number one tool you have to get the
word out and connect with your supporters. These may be
family, friends, sponsors, or people generally interested in
how your team are progressing. You can personalise your team
page with a team bio, photos, updates, links to social media
and blogs to keep your supporters up to date.

17

Event
 PARTners
 Thank you to all our sponsors, partners and stakeholders for
 supporting our vision of a more just, inclusive and sustainable world.

 Host Partners

 Event Partners

 +

 We couldn’t do it without our
 INCREDIBLE eVENT PARTNERS
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THE EXPERIENCE
 OF A LIFETIME
 Oxfam Trailwalker is the most life-changing, team-building, foot-slogging,
 friendship-forming, group-hugging experience…ever!

 26-27 March 2022
 0800 600 700
 oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz
19OXFAM AOTEAROA 0800 600 700 or 09 355 6500| PO Box 68357, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142 | info@oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz
 facebook.com/OxfamTrailwalkerNZ | #otwnz | Charities commission number: #CC24641