The Hillary Hikers have embraced Bowel Cancer New Zealand’s Move Your Butt campaign in the best possible way – by moving their butts!

Donning the distinctive bright purple and orange t-shirts, the 20 or so residents representing Edmund Hillary Village’s walking group drew plenty of smiles and thumbs ups as they marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama on a sunny Monday morning in February.

With Bowel Cancer New Zealand being Ryman’s 2026 charity partner, the walkers were keen to show their support for their annual Move Your Butt challenge, which aims to raise awareness and support for bowel cancer.

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Group organiser Howard Keyte says everyone was very happy to wear the t-shirts.

“We thought we would walk along the waterfront to give them a bit more exposure and we got quite a few positive responses from other walkers.”

For group members Graeme and Barbara Cook, supporting the cause was important for personal reasons.

“Our son has been living with Crohn’s disease since he was a teenager, and so we know how critical good gut health is,” says Barbara.

“This cause means a lot to us,” adds Graeme.

Group organiser Howard (front, right) hits his stride as he chats to fellow resident June while fellow purple-clad walkers follow behind.

Bowel cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in New Zealand, claiming as many lives as breast and prostate cancer combined. Yet when caught early, bowel cancer is more than 90% curable.

Research shows that regular physical activity supports gut health and overall wellbeing. Even moderate exercise such as regular walking can have meaningful benefits.

Bowel Cancer New Zealand Chief Executive Peter Huskinson says every kilometre moved helps raise awareness that bowel cancer can affect people of all ages, and that early detection is critical.

“Move Your Butt is about bringing people together through something simple and positive, to make a difference that will save lives,” he says.

“We’re grateful to the Hillary Hikers for supporting the cause!”

The Hillary Hikers gather at the village before setting off on their walk.

Howard says the group came about after a couple of years of living at Edmund Hillary Village when fellow resident Richard Still suggested he start a walking group similar to the one he’d organised at Probus.

Initially there were around 7-8 members and 10 years later the mailing list has over 50 names, with a special 10 year anniversary lunch organised at the Formosa Golf Club to celebrate.

Howard says the routes alternate each week between local and a bit further afield - as long as there is a café for a coffee and a scone afterwards.

“Our group is a very happy group,” says Howard. “The feedback I get is they really enjoy the contact and the camaraderie and the café is the highlight of the day.

“I can see that performs a useful thing for people.”

He adds with a laugh: “I feel the scone I eat normally always has undone the work of the walk however!”

Move your butts!

The team at Bowel Cancer New Zealand recommend the following guidance for exercise which is based on the latest studies exploring the links between exercise and gut health:

• 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Plus two or more days of muscle-strengthening activity per week