Feet First: 250km Challenge
Support Scott and Lee as they walk 250kms from Auckland to Te Puke to raise awareness and funds for The Hub Te Puke, an essential service that provides housing, food and community care to those who need it most.
About the Walk
From August 18-29, The Hub’s CEO, Scott Nicholson, and Chair of the Board, Lee Harrison, will walk from Auckland to Te Puke.
Their mission is to help keep The Hub’s essential services running by highlighting the increasing demand for food, housing, and wraparound support in our local Te Puke community. As living costs soar, so does the number of families reaching out for help, yet funding hasn’t kept pace. This walk is a call to action, to show up for our community.
The ultimate goal is to inspire 500 new monthly donors to contribute just $5/month.
You can be part of the journey through donating, following online, or by walking with us.
About the Walk
Scott and Lee will be sharing their progress as they make their way to Te Puke. Along the way, there’ll be plenty of fun and opportunities to get involved.
Live tracking to watch their progress
Daily step-count guessing games
Fun challenges like barefoot and blindfolded stretches
Local races and themed costumes
Business sponsor shout-outs
Behind-the-scenes videos, photos and stories
Follow along, get involved, and help spread the word wherever you are.
Walk with us
Come and join Scott and Lee for a special community walk along the stunning Hauraki Rail Trail. Bring your friends, whānau, and walking shoes.
Date: Sunday, 24 August
Meeting Point: Waihi Train Station
Train Departure: 11:30 AM — Book a one-way ride to Waikino with Goldfields
Heritage Railway (book in advance)
Lunch: Bring your own picnic to enjoy around 12 PM
Walk Start: Approximately 1 PM
Route: Scenic, easy-grade walk back to Waihi
Estimated Finish Time: 3:30 PM
Meet Scott and Lee
Scott Nicholson
Chief Executive, The Hub Te Puke
“I advocate for thriving communities, where people, place, and purpose are connected. Lasting change needs more than good intentions; it takes strategy, empathy, and collaboration. I believe this journey brings all three together.”
Chief Executive of The Hub since 2018, Scott has a background in community development and policy. He works at the intersection of systems and stories. Leads with heart and focuses on making change that sticks.
Lee Harrison
Chair of the Board, The Hub Te Puke
“When you can make a difference, don’t hesitate – jump in feet first”.
Lee has served on the board of The Hub since 2020 and was appointed Chair in 2023. Passionate about community wellbeing and social equity, he brings both strategic insight and heartfelt commitment to The Hub’s mission of empowering individuals and families in need. Beyond The Hub, Lee teaches strategic management and marketing at the University of Waikato, where he challenges students to connect business thinking with real-world impact.
Support the Cause
Every dollar you give helps provide meals, emergency housing, and one-on-one care for people in need.
Ways you can support:
Become a monthly donor ($5+ per month)
Make a one-time donation
Sponsor the walk as a business
Offer in-kind support (food, gear, fuel)
Together, we can help The Hub continue to be there for our community today and into the future.
Live Updates
Stay connected through the walk.
Daily updates will be shared with photos, videos, and stories from the road. Follow along and share using #FeetFirst2025