Auckland City Mission’s Street Whānau Team Band Together for John West 11km Traverse

Next week, a group of Auckland City Mission’s street whānau– people experiencing homelessness– will be joining the Mission’s team at the Auckland Marathon by taking part in the John West 11km Traverse. 

They come from different backgrounds, face different challenges and have different goals, but they have been meeting up regularly over the last year to train together and support each other. 

For the street whānau, training toward the John West 11km Traverse has been an opportunity to get fit, make new friends, and find a new sense of purpose, and the team is looking forward to walking over the Auckland Harbour Bridge together on 23 January. 

Bryne Gregory is one of the Auckland City Mission’s street whānau team lacing up at the ASB Auckland Marathon next week. 

After losing his business, his family and his home, Bryne found himself on the steps of the Auckland City Mission two years ago suffering from depression and health issues – and recovering from an accident which had left him with multiple broken bones.  

For more than a century, the Mission has been supporting Aucklanders in their times of desperate need, providing nutritious food, housing support and affordable healthcare for people who have nowhere else to turn.  

At the Mission, Bryne has been able to access practical support including hot meals in the community dining room and medical care at the Mission’s Calder Health Centre. Just as importantly, the Mission has provided him with a supportive community to help him get back on his feet. 

“The Mission staff welcomed me with open arms and showed empathy, understanding and support, guiding me back to a positive life,” said Bryne. 

For Bryne, who comes from a competitive sporting background, being part of the Auckland City Mission walking team has played an important part in his journey back to wellness. 

"I am waiting on hip surgery and shoulder reconstruction, and this has been an opportunity to get fit again. It has helped focus my mind 100% on moving forward in my life,” said Bryne. 

“It's also been a chance to be part of a great team and I’ve got a lot of satisfaction from encouraging the rest of our marathon team to get together and train.”  

Bryne has now moved into an apartment, but still visits the Mission community dining room regularly, not just for a hot meal, but also to help out. 

“I’ve always enjoyed competing in sporting events like this,” said Bryne.“I am on a walking frame this time, but it will not slow me down. I can’t wait to walk over the Harbour Bridge with the rest of the team.”