Smear your Mea Legacy Lives on Through Ride4Talei

The build up to Te Matatini received a boost like no other as cyclists rode from Rotorua to Wellington celebrating the life and leagcy of Smear Your Mea founder Talei Roimata Morrison.

Talei passed away on June 16, 2018, aged 42, after a nine-month battle with cervical cancer.  The mother of three founded the Smear Your Mea campaign, encouraging Māori women to get health checks and smears.  HPV immunisation and cervical screening are important tools for our whānau to live long, happy lives. 

Led by whānau friend Te Ururoa Flavell, a contingent of mostly novice riders committed to the 500 kilometre, six day journey to deliver Talei’s message to a number of North Island communities and take her wairua to Māoridoms biggest event, Te Matatini Ki Te Ao.

The Smear Your Mea campaign has now grown to include mens health issues such a regular prostate checks.  Hapū Hauora supported this kaupapa by joining Tuwharetoa Health in both Taupō and Turangi to welcome the riders, their support crew and join with the community who’d come to celebrate the journey.  See more at the Ride4Talei Facebook page.

The next time you hold an event for your hapū, let us know!  We may be able to provide information and resources to support hapū health and wellbeing. 

Footage courtesy of Māori Television