It's the Mini's proudest moment since Goodbye Pork Pie.
Thirty-eight of the little cars created excitement along State Highway One from Kaitaia to Taupo yesterday during the first leg of their journey to Invercargill, following the route the Blondini Gang took in the 1981 movie.
The 2500km fun run was organised by the Whangarei Mini Owners Group to mark the 50th anniversary of their favourite car's production and to raise funds for Auckland's Starship Hospital.
Event convener Rod Harris, of Whangarei, said Mini owners from the big smoke had joined them for the dash down the Southern Motorway after the convoy left Newmarket in Auckland.
"We're half an hour behind schedule, but everything is going fine," he said.
And Starship Foundation marketing communications co-ordinator Cindy Carleton said the Minis had sparked "huge" interest with members of several car clubs and media representatives joining spectators to see the cars during a tea break stop Newmarket.
The fundraising campaign had brought in $79,000 by 2pm yesterday and Ms Carleton said the $97,000 target to buy two tissue oxygen monitors was in reach.
"There's not a doubt we'll get there," she said.
The monitors - for use in Starship's intensive care unit which treats critically ill children from around the country - measure oxygen levels in the brain, kidney and digestive tract.
The Minis spent last night at Taupo and were to leave early today for Wellington via National Park and Wanganui.
The cars will leave the capital by ferry tomorrow, heading for Hokitika via Christchurch.
On Monday they will travel from Hokitika to Alexandra where they will spend the night, covering the final leg to Invercargill via Dunedin on Tuesday.
" The public can support the Starship fundraiser by donating online at www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/starshipporkpie.
Every little bit helps at Mini fundraiser
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