Volunteer: Josh Te Kowhai (Waikite Gym)

The legend Josh Te Kowhai

Josh Te Kowhai and a group from Waikite Gym volunteered at the Whaka100 in 2019, helping to make Emerson's Whaka100 event possible. We caught up with Josh about his volunteer role and why he chooses to do it.

Q. Tell us about your role(s) as a volunteer? 
A. Our members of Waikite Gym volunteered at a stack of events last year and the Whaka100 was definitely one of the highlights. My role was to organise a large group of volleys to help with set up, making up gift bags, marshalling out in the forest, presenting medals and basically any role that needed filling.

Q. Why do you choose to do it? 
A. We love to give back to the running/biking/sporting community as we have all participated in events and know that they cannot function without a massive team of supporters.

Q. What is your favourite memory volunteering at the Whaka100?
A. Making up 100’s of gift bags for each participant and adding in the spot prizes never knowing who is going to get it and whether they'd even realise they had extra in their pack lol. Oh and the pizza and beers afterwards.

Q. What would you say to people who are thinking of volunteering? 
A. Seriously, don’t be shy. Put your hand up and help out. Whether helping to set up the village, doing course marking, marshalling, packing down or the best job - handing out medals to finishers. There are always plenty of positions that need filling.


Join the team of 30+ helpful, energetic and friendly volunteers who help make the event a lasting memory and sign up here ​