Last year, our Ann set herself a personal challenge: to climb Mount Maunganui 100 times and raise funds for a couple of charities close to her heart – supporting families dealing with NF1 and Type 1 Diabetes.
It wasn’t about speed or records. It was about commitment.
Over weeks and months, Ann quietly made her way up the Mount — early mornings, windy afternoons, tired legs and all. On Christmas Day morning, Ann completed one hundred climbs in total. It was a huge effort, physically, spiritually and emotionally.
Along the way, she did something very special.
Ann took photographs on each climb — capturing sunrises, changing skies, ocean views and the small details that make the Mount such a treasured part of our community. Those images have now been carefully compiled into a beautiful coffee table book.
We’re lucky enough to have a copy in our waiting room, and it’s already sparked many conversations. It’s a stunning collection and a lovely reminder of the beauty right on our doorstep.
Given the tragic events in January, the book feels even more meaningful. It captures a place and a moment in time that means a great deal to many people in Tauranga. Some of these photos capture places which no longer exist and many of us are mourning with the Mount.
Ann has been asked whether she would consider having the book professionally printed — and we are very much encouraging her to do so. It’s a new and unexpected challenge.
We are incredibly proud of Ann. Not just for reaching 100 climbs, but for her generosity, quiet determination and the care she shows for our wider community.
If you’re visiting us, feel free to have a look through her book while you’re waiting. It’s something quite special.
If you would be interested in getting a copy of this book, please let us know. We are hoping Ann will be brave enough to go to print.