Length-of-country march for meal completed

After nearly seven months and thousands of kilometres on foot, retired Salvation Army officer Major Gavin Baxter has completed an extraordinary journey from Bluff to Cape Reinga, raising funds and awareness for food banks supporting families through the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Baxter arrived at Cape Reinga on Friday, July 24, bringing to an end his Marching for Meals campaign, which began on New Year’s Day and saw him walk the length of New Zealand in support of The Salvation Army’s food banks.

The journey took him through towns, cities, mountain ranges, forests and coastlines, where he met hundreds of Kiwis and heard countless stories of generosity, resilience and community spirit.

The walk was never about personal achievement, says Baxter.

“This was always about helping people. If the walk has encouraged someone to donate, volunteer in their community or simply understand a little more about the challenges some families face, then that’s what matters.”

The campaign aimed to draw attention to the growing number of New Zealanders turning to food support every day as they navigate rising living costs and ongoing financial pressures.

While the journey ultimately ended in celebration at the northern tip of Aotearoa, it was not without challenges.

While crossing the South Island, Baxter says he experienced several days of abdominal pain and increasing fatigue while traversing remote backcountry terrain.

Concerned about his ability to safely continue, he activated his personal locator beacon and was airlifted from a wilderness hut to Nelson Hospital, where he underwent medical assessment, including a CT scan.

“It was really just the sensible thing to do,” he says. “I wasn’t feeling great, I was in a remote area, and I didn’t want to make a bad situation worse.

“I was lucky enough to be in good hands. The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter crew and the staff at Nelson Hospital were excellent.

“They thoroughly checked everything over, looked after me well, and got me back on track.”

Doctors ruled out more serious conditions, prescribed antibiotics and advised Baxter to take several days’ rest before continuing his journey.

“I’m very thankful for the care I received. After a few days of rest, I was able to get back on the trail and keep heading north.”

After recuperating, he resumed the walk and continued north, eventually completing the journey he set out to achieve.

The challenge marked a fitting final chapter following his 31 years of service as a Salvation Army officer.

“I’ve spent a large part of my life serving communities through The Salvation Army and I’ve seen first-hand the difference practical support can make,” Baxter says.

“A food parcel might seem like a small thing, but when you’re struggling to make ends meet it can make all the difference.”

Now the walk is complete, he hopes the conversation around food insecurity will continue.

“The finish line was never really Cape Reinga. The real goal is making sure families can access the support they need all year round.

“There’s still work to do, and I hope people will continue supporting foodbanks in their own communities,” says Baxter.

Funds raised through Marching for Meals will support Salvation Army food banks across New Zealand, helping provide food and practical support for individuals and whānau facing hardship.

• For more information or to donate, visit: www.marching-4-meals.raiselysite.com.