20 years of Wharf to Wharf

A conversation with former organiser Ngaire Avery and Paula Medland, Barry Mouat's widow

When you think about Wharf to Wharf, you might first think of the scenery. Stunning coastal views, our native bush, quiet roads and giant monolith structures.

But ask former event organiser Ngaire Avery what makes the event special, and she'll tell you it's the friendly community spirit.

"It's because we pick you up. And we cheer you on."

For nearly two decades, Wharf to Wharf has been a tradition that brings together island locals, visitors, volunteers and families in support of Kaitoke School and in memory of Barry Mouat, whose adventurous spirit and contribution continue to be remembered.

Remembering Barry

For Paula, returning to Wharf to Wharf after the COVID interruption has been deeply meaningful.

"It's so lovely to be back here... starting up on such a wonderful occasion like the 20th anniversary. It brings Barry alive again for me."

Barry worked at Kaitoke School, inspired the local children, built mountain bike tracks and dreamed up new ideas for the island. One of those ideas was even a zipline from Pītokuku. His love of adventure and encouragement sit at the heart of the event today.

It takes an island

Wharf to Wharf has always had an army of volunteers behind it.

Transport companies donated vans. Locals drove runners before dawn to their starting lines. Businesses sponsored the event, parents cooked and baked for volunteers and competitors. Volunteers put up signs, cheered everyone on at aid stations. Everyone pitched in.

Ngaire remembers home baking being dropped round to each aid station, and volunteers being surprised with hot soup to keep them warm during the day out on the course.

It's this generosity that earned the event its reputation as New Zealand's Friendliest Marathon.

Twenty years of stories

Of course, every event has its collection of stories.

There was the time kids hid their bikes in the bushes when bikes weren't allowed in the 5km fun run, then jumped on the bikes and raced down the course.

Then there were the two people who vanished during the marathon. Race organisers launched their well-rehearsed search process, and soon discovered the pair had stopped for a picnic. They were found safe and well, and still laugh about it to this day.

Why people keep coming back

Over the years, Ngaire noticed people didn't just run Wharf to Wharf once. They came back. Again and again.

Some travelled from Waiheke every year. Others returned because they loved the atmosphere.

"It's like being part of a special club. We get a lot of people that come back year after year."

A challenging course

Nobody pretends the race is easy, however. The hills are real. Ngaire knows that on a personal level.

Although she'd organised the event for years, she'd never entered it herself. She decided to give it a go.

Ngaire battled sore legs, discarded her shoes halfway, finishes sections barefoot, and says there were moments she wondered whether she should just head home instead. Local cop Roger and local paramedic Adam pulled up beside her, asking if she wanted a lift.

She kept going, runners encouraging her along the way. Years later she remembers the satisfied exhaustion of it all, and people congratulating her at the prize giving.

"I think that's what's really lovely about the marathon."

Paula says that perfectly captured Barry's philosophy.

"He really liked people achieving something for themselves... challenging themselves and not giving up. That's the spirit of it."

Looking ahead

As Wharf to Wharf celebrates its 20th anniversary, the scenery is every bit as spectacular as it's always been.

But perhaps Ngaire offers the best advice for the future.

"Everybody can see a beautiful view," she says.

Instead, she believes the event should continue telling a different story. One of community, and the people that come together to make it happen. That's what people remember long after they've crossed the finish line.

A huge thank you to Ngaire Avery and Paula Medland for generously sharing their memories and helping preserve the history of Wharf to Wharf.