An estimated 3000 people flooded the Tauranga waterfront in shades of hot pink to raise more than $17,000 for local breast cancer services.

On Wednesday evening, October 9, thousands of people dressed in pink flooded The Tauranga Waterfront in a sea of pink.

Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust manager Rachel Quin Gilbert said she believes around 3000 people participated in the walk.

“We have currently made $17,000 with donations still coming in,” Quin Gilbert said. “We’re still receiving donations, and it seems we’ve raised more than we did last year, which is fantastic.”

Locals residents from around Tauranga gathered at The Strand at 5.30pm for a Zumba warm-up before taking off on a Hot Pink Walk around the city.

“We were a bit anxious about the weather, but it turned out just fine as we arrived to set up for the event. Tina absolutely nailed the Zumba warm-up, as she always does, while the MCs really amped up the crowd. It’s hard to say how many people were there, but the sea of pink stretched out as far as I could see.”

The 2024 HOT Pink Walk. Photos by Alana from Alana Dresner Photography and Sarah from Beaufoy Imagery.

Quin Gilbert also said there were some fantastic performances this year.

“The performers are always a real highlight of the walk. The Rise dance crew brought the energy, Curves of Plenty added a bit of cheeky fun, and Elvis got everyone buzzing.

“It was wonderful to see so many kids, dogs, and families participating, making it such a positive community event.”

She noted that the feedback was positive.

“We had some newcomers, and they absolutely loved it. They told us, ‘We’ll definitely be back next year with bells on,’ which was really lovely to hear.”

Quin Gilbert emphasised the critical role of their volunteers in making the event a success.

“These events simply wouldn’t happen without our volunteers. From the merchandise team to the marshals and everyone who lends a hand, we genuinely couldn’t do it without them.”

The 2024 HOT Pink Walk. Photos by Alana from Alana Dresner Photography and Sarah from Beaufoy Imagery.

She said the costumes this year were absolutely incredible. One fashion designer crafted her own outfit from curtains, turning it into a massive black and pink butterfly.

“It was such a delight to see all those happy faces, especially with the dogs and kids dressed up. Everyone really got into the spirit of it, creating a fantastic festival vibe and a happy atmosphere.”

She said after the walk, she saw many people dressed in pink heading to restaurants around the CBD for a drink and dinner.

The MCs of the event said they were blown away by this year’s turnout and said, “The waterfront was a sea of pink, and it was amazing to see so many locals in a huge variety of pink outfits supporting a great local cause.”

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell with a Tauranga Hot Pink Walk participant.

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said, “The Hot Pink Walk is an amazing community event in the name of breast cancer support.

“The efforts, outfits and dressed up pooches really shows how many people, and their families are impacted by breast cancer.

“I am very proud to be part of a government that is extending free breast screening to women aged 70 to 74, up from the current age of 69.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you’d like to support your local Breast Cancer Support Services charity, please visit www.breastcancerbop.org.nz to make a donation.