Rural Communities are where actions speak louder than words, and where hash tags refer to real life. #collectiveimpact is a phrase that is bandied about in think tanks and workshops, but in the Ruapehu District, it actually means something. The Raetihi Gutbuster is a true community run event.

A road cycle and fun run event put on by the Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust, the annual Gutbuster is only made possible by a huge collection of different volunteer groups and individuals. The Cadets and the Mangaeturoa School revitalisation group are running drink stations. Shed 24 Raetihi are the Tail End charlies. Toi Communications have done free photography every year. The Turoa road supervisor did the original Traffic management plan, The Lions Club are providing manpower at the Start/Finish line. The Waimarino Museum provides sustenance with a massive cake stall, which is also a fundraiser for them.

Local businesses and artists provide prizes and sponsorship and in general, "anyone who is asked for a hand, or a trailer, or a sound system, is happy to help out. The prizes and local sponsorship have been outstanding every year, but this year is even better" says Lucy Conway, one of the organizers, "and most of it has been gathered by yet another volunteer who put her hand up to help".

This doesn’t mean it’s amateur hour though, entrants come back year after year and the feedback is positive about the organisation. If you’ve never experienced the Raetihi Gutbuster, come along on April 21, Easter Sunday. The first event starts at 11am, because we even give people time to go to church.

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