Red Frogs NZ, a regular sight at Central Otago New Year events, are calling on Kiwis to lace up their shoes and take part in New Zealand’s Longest Walk Home - a fundraiser for sexual assault awareness and protection.

Participants in the nationwide fundraiser are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zone by walking, running or biking 30km - or more - throughout the month of September.

Every year during the New Year’s period, Red Frogs volunteers are out on the streets to safeguard young people and ensure they get home safely, often covering more than 30km across three nights - the inspiration for the 30km challenges.  

Volunteers provide on-the-ground support, walking alongside vulnerable partygoers late at night, offering practical care, and stepping in to prevent harm.

They have done this in Central Otago over the New Year’s period over the last nine years.

The first response was in Wānaka and Queenstown in 2016 and since then Red Frogs volunteers have directly supported over 1,200 young people and walked thousands more to safety.

Red Frogs NZ national director Ray Thomson said the fundraiser is a chance to encourage Kiwis to get behind the work they do.

“For 10 years our volunteers have been walking the long walk home with young people during the New Year’s period, looking out for them when they are vulnerable and helping them to safety,” he said.

‘’There are many instances of Red Froggers finding themselves in the right place at the right time, and young people turning to them for help.”

“By stepping up for New Zealand’s Longest Walk Home, Kiwis can walk alongside us to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise hope for a future free from sexual assault.”

Red Frogs invites individuals, workplaces, schools, and community groups to take up the challenge. 

Find more information here.

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