On Sunday, March 30th, 2025, our Restorative Justice Ōtautahi/Christchurch team participated in the exciting Round the Bays Christchurch! This 8.4km charity run was something special; you could choose to run, walk, or stroll at your own pace. The event started at 9 am in Ferrymead, and we followed a beautiful route around Christchurch Bay, all the way to New Brighton. This was the first time the event was held in Christchurch, as it used to only happen in Wellington and Auckland.

Our team was spread across different parts of the race—some of us ran, jogged, and others opted for a leisurely walk. Regardless of how we participated, it turned into a fun and collaborative experience. We were driven by two main motivations: raising funds for Restorative Justice Ōtautahi and enjoying this community-focused event that was new to our city. Many of us were former interns, which made it even more meaningful as we reunited for this special occasion.

The atmosphere on race day was electric! Southern Cross kept the energy high with music, cheers, and plenty of high-fives along the way. We enjoyed stunning views, and once we reached the finish line, there was a huge celebration waiting for us. Free food, stalls, photos, and medals for everyone made it feel like a true community festival. We even shared a few laughs—some spots along the bay had a peculiar smell, encouraging us to pick up the pace a bit!

Together, we raised $133, which will directly support the vital work done by Restorative Justice in the community. Every dollar counts, and we can’t thank everyone enough for their generous support. This year was just the start; we hope even more people will join us in future Round the Bays events to support causes they care about. Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, being part of events like this brings us together and strengthens our community. We’re already excited for Round the Bays in 2026, and we can’t wait to bring more friends and supporters along for the journey!