A Kaitaia man's mates have helped him fulfil his goal of completing the Kerikeri Half Marathon, eight months after his death at the age of 30.
Waa Whareaitu was the unit commander of 64 Squadron Air Training Corps in Kaitaia, a youth cadet group modelled on the air force. His cadets describe him as an inspiration, some say he changed their lives.
Waa never stopped trying to help Far North youth, even those who repeatedly broke into the cafe he and his wife Lorraine ran in Kaikohe. But Waa also battled health and weight problems and became bedridden late last year.
Kevin Milne, a police sergeant at Kawakawa, realised his friend's life depended on getting out of bed and getting moving again. Kevin told his mate that if he could get out of bed and take three steps, then increase that by one step a day, he would help him complete this year's half marathon. But it was not to be. Waa died of heart failure in March shortly after his 30th birthday.
Around 10.30am on Saturday, however, Kevin fulfilled his pledge by carrying his friend's ashes across the finish line at Kerikeri Domain.
Helping him was his colleague from Kawakawa police station, Constable Courtney Sandilands. Kevin said he wanted to share the load because Waa's favourite saying was "He waka eke noa", which translates loosely as "We're all in this together".
Waiting at the finish line was a group of friends, whanau and cadets. Cole Rumsey, of the Kaitaia Air Training Corps, said he didn't have the words to describe his former mentor.
"He's been a massive influence on me. He taught me to be my own person and to be the best I can be."
Cole, who has just been accepted by the navy, has had Waa's name tattooed on his chest along with "He waka eke noa."
Widow Lorraine Whareaitu, of Kaitaia, said it was "a huge moment" when Waa crossed the finish line.
"Kevin was encouraging Waa to do this, even if he had to do it one step at a time or if Kevin had to push him in a wheelchair. When he passed, I asked Kevin if he would still do it, but with Waa's ashes."
Their run in the Kerikeri Half Marathon was also a fundraiser for Northland children's charity the Bald Angels.
By Peter de Graaf of Northern Advocate
