Gisborne to Cape Egmont charity ride to raise funds for chopper appeal hits the road

Cyclists travelling from Gisborne to Port Taranaki to raise cash for Westpac Rescue Helicopter: Sam Aschebrook (left), Jared Bowden, Chris Hutchinson, Benedict Burgess, Sam McRae, Reuben Tucker and Grant Clifton. Photo / Anne-Marie de Bruin

Seven cyclists kicked off an epic journey in Gisborne this weekend, riding around 1000km to raise money for the 2026 Westpac Chopper Appeal.

Set to ride for six days from Gisborne to Cape Egmont – the westernmost point in Taranaki – the team started their ride early on Sunday.

Team member Reuben Tucker said they aimed to ride between 950km and 1000km over six days, depending on the route and weather.

Tucker, who works as Westpac’s managing director of institutional and business banking, is a regular endurance rider who raises money for charity on rides, including a ride in Fiji for the Cure Kids Fiji Oxygen Project to help babies and children with pneumonia and other conditions.

Previously, they had done rides in the South Island.

“Every pedal stroke brings us closer to helping provide life-saving helicopter rescues across New Zealand,” the team’s Givealittle page said.

“Your donation will directly support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, ensuring they can continue to save lives in critical situations. Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our goal.”

The page had raised just over $8000 as of midday Monday, with a goal of $21,000.

The 2026 Westpac Chopper Appeal in May overall aims to raise at least $1 million for the rescue choppers.

The Givealittle page can be found at https://givealittle.co.nz/team/rescue-riders-gone-north