Watch NZH Local Focus: Mini convoy makes money for charity

A group of Tauranga mini enthusiasts are travelling the length of the country to raise money for KidsCan.

63 minis arrived into Hamilton to a crowd of excited supporters. Bruce Eager & Donn White - who run the Tauranga Mini Owners' Club are in one.

"We're veterans of three Pork Pie charity runs now. Each time the Tauranga club have been so supportive of us, helping us to fundraise."

Self-confessed petrol-head Tim Sinclair says his long-suffering wife Rowena is allowed to travel alongside him on the journey - as long as she doesn't touch the wheel.

"I'm not allowed, because someone doesn't handle back-seat driving very well."

The two Tauranga minis are representing 80 members who belong to the local club.

Rowena says she's not a fan of cars, but has enjoyed the camaraderie shared amongst the group.

"The members have made her [Rowena] feel like one of them," says Tim.

"Because I'm not a car person," says Rowena, "so normally I stick out like a sore thumb."

More than $150,000 has already been raised for KidsCan, with the hopes of reaching more than $200,000 by the time the convoy reaches Invercargill.

"We're always seeing troubled kids. From not being able to learn, because they're hungry. Or sick because they haven't got warm clothing. So KidsCan do a really amazing job."

The recent release of the movie 'Pork Pie' has helped raise the profile of the initiative, which kicked off in Kaitaia.

It's the fifth time the bi-annual event has been held, with the gang aiming to reach Invercargill by Wednesday.

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