From mountains to sea, walking for memory, dignity, and hope
I am lucky where I live on the Kapiti coast there are some good hills to strengthen the legs. Nearby is the Barry Hadfield Nīkau Reserve. It is a shaded bush walk through large clusters of nikau palms along a gravel/muddy track. It leads up a steep but short staircase climb, only takes about 15 mins up but great to do before work. Checkout the Tiktok of it https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSDw552jc/
The first thing I knew I had to do to prepare for The Walk was obvious: get moving. Luckily, I live on the Kāpiti Coast, where the trails are so good it almost feels rude not to use them. Training here is less “grind” and more “stroll with benefits.”
Why I Am Walking New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks for Dementia NZ
Dementia is not just a medical condition. It is a journey—one that reshapes families, friendships, and communities. For me, this cause is deeply personal. Both my mother and my mother-in-law lived with dementia, and through their experiences, I witnessed the profound challenges, heartbreak, and resilience that come with it. Their journeys opened my eyes to the reality that dementia doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it ripples outward, touching every family member, caregiver, and friend. It is this personal connection that has inspired me to take on the challenge of walking New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks to raise funds and awareness for Dementia NZ.
This challenge is about more than kilometres and tracks. It is about honouring those we’ve loved, supporting those who are currently living with dementia, and working toward a future where families can face this condition with greater hope, understanding, and support.
The Personal Connection
Watching both my mother and my mother-in-law decline through dementia was one of the hardest experiences of my life. It stripped away not just memories, but also the sense of self that defines who we are. These were women who had lived full, vibrant lives—mothers, grandmothers, friends—yet in the end, dementia blurred the edges of their personalities and left us all searching for ways to connect with them.
Their journeys highlighted for me how dementia is not simply about forgetting—it’s about losing connections. The conversations that once flowed easily become fragmented. The shared history that binds families together begins to fray. And yet, amidst the challenges, there are moments of deep humanity and grace. A spark of recognition, a smile, a story remembered against the odds—these moments taught me that while dementia takes much, it cannot erase love.
A Broader Perspective
Through my work running workshops on men’s mental health and ageing, I’ve come to realise just how widespread the impact of dementia really is. In almost every session, men share stories about a father, mother, partner, or friend touched by dementia. The number of people affected—directly or indirectly—is astonishing. It is not a fringe issue; it is a central challenge of ageing in our society.
What strikes me most is the silence that often surrounds the topic. While we’ve made great strides in talking openly about mental health, dementia still carries stigma, fear, and misunderstanding. Many families struggle in isolation, unsure where to turn for support. By raising funds and awareness through this journey, I hope to play a part in breaking down that silence and showing that dementia is something we must face together—as whānau, as communities, and as a nation.
Why the Great Walks
New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks are more than just iconic hiking tracks. They are journeys through landscapes that define our identity—rugged coastlines, towering peaks, deep fiords, and ancient forests. Each track tells a story of our land, our people, and our past.
Walking these trails is a powerful metaphor for dementia and memory. Just as the tracks connect mountains to valleys, rivers to lakes, and past to present, so too do our memories connect the moments of our lives. By walking these Great Walks, I want to symbolise the importance of holding onto those connections, even as dementia threatens to unravel them.
Each step I take is both a remembrance of the past and a stride toward a better future. Along the way, I’ll be reflecting not only on my own family’s story, but on the thousands of New Zealand families navigating dementia today.
The Role of Golf
My journey will also weave in another passion of mine—golf. As I travel across the country to walk these trails, I will also play at some of New Zealand’s golf courses. This isn’t just for recreation; it connects directly to the cause.
Research has shown that golf, particularly for men, can reduce the risk of developing dementia. The game demands physical activity, cognitive challenges, and social interaction—all of which are proven to support brain health. Golf is more than a sport; it is a lifestyle that keeps body, mind, and spirit engaged.
By including golf in this journey, I want to highlight the proactive steps men (and women) can take to support their long-term mental health. Ageing doesn’t have to mean decline. Through exercise, challenge, and community, we can build resilience and give ourselves the best chance at a healthier future.
A Journey of Hope
This challenge is about honouring the past, but it is also about creating hope for the future. Dementia is a growing issue in New Zealand. With an ageing population, the number of people affected is set to rise dramatically in the coming decades. Without greater awareness, funding, and research, countless families will face the same struggles that mine has endured.
By taking on the 11 Great Walks, I want to shine a light on this reality—but also to inspire action. Every donation, every conversation, and every step matters. Together, we can ensure that families facing dementia are supported, that research continues to advance, and that one day, we may even see treatments that can slow or prevent the condition.
Why It Matters
This journey is personal, but it is also universal. We all have memories that shape us—childhood adventures, milestones, laughter, love. Dementia threatens to take those away, not just from individuals but from families and communities. To me, that makes this cause one of the most important of our time.
When I walk through New Zealand’s forests and along its coasts, I’ll be carrying the memories of my mother, my mother-in-law, and all the families I’ve met who have been touched by dementia. I’ll also be walking for those yet to face it—for the sons, daughters, and grandchildren who deserve a future where memory loss does not mean losing connection.
An Invitation
This is not a journey I can—or should—take alone. I invite you to walk alongside me in spirit, to share your own stories of loved ones touched by dementia, and to support Dementia NZ through this campaign. Every step I take will be fuelled by the knowledge that I’m walking for something far bigger than myself.
Together, we can turn these Great Walks into a great cause: preserving memories, supporting families, and building a future where no one has to face dementia alone.
Brendon