The Whakaari Hayden Marshall-Inman Memorial Golf Tournament is on the move.

Each year, this special event has played a vital role in supporting survivors, families, and the wider community affected by the 2019 Whakaari eruption.

In 2025, the tournament will be held at the Whakatāne Golf Club, marking a new chapter for an event that has come to symbolise resilience, unity, and community spirit.

Mark Inman initiated the tournament five years ago in memory of his brother, Hayden Marshall-Inman, a guide who was killed in the eruption.

“The Whakaari Hayden Marshall-Inman Memorial Golf Tournament remains, at its heart, a celebration of those who ran toward danger, not away, and a reminder of what can be achieved when a community stands shoulder-to-shoulder in support of one another,” he said.

“While the Ōhope Beach Golf Links has been a wonderful host for the past five years, the move to Whakatāne Golf Club feels especially meaningful.

“Nestled beneath the flight path once used by visitors travelling to Whakaari – and the same route taken during the final journey home for six of the victims – the course sits beneath the watchful presence of Motuhorā, Putauaki, and Tarawera.

“It’s a setting steeped in natural beauty and emotional significance, adding to the mana of the occasion.”

The December 5 tournament honours all first responders – including paramedics, pilots, boaties, fire crews, police and medical teams.

Since its inception, it has raised over $250,000 in support of those impacted by Whakaari, including the Middlemore Burns Unit, St John, Whakatāne Coastguard and Fire and Emergency.

This year, all proceeds will go to the Police Association Welfare Fund, recognising the incredible first responders and frontline workers who risked everything to protect and serve during a time of crisis.

Inman said the proceeds would be ring-fenced for Eastern Bay of Plenty Police, to be distributed through a locally overseen application process.

“While the fund itself serves police only, the broader philosophy of the tournament continues to rotate support among all first responder groups – ensuring fairness, gratitude, and ongoing recognition across those who served.

He invites the community to join them on Friday, December 5 for a day of connection, remembrance, and giving back, with a shotgun start at 11.30am.