The Great New Zealand Tractor Trek arrived in New Plymouth from Hawera on Sunday raising money for Hospice Taranaki along the way. Stuff.co.nz
More than 10 tractors, with others joining for legs along the way, left Bluff on 22 February with the aim of arriving in Cape Reinga on 18 March.
Taranaki man Rodney Maiden had raised $5000 for Hospice Taranaki, so far.
“It’s a trip that I’m so enjoying. I’m combining my two passions – my passion of tractor trekking and my passion for raising money for worthwhile causes. And of course Hospice fits into that admirably.”
It was Maiden’s third day on the Tractor Trek, which he had joined for six days. Sources: Taranaki Daily News, Stuff.co.nz
“I started three days ago in Foxton and I’ll finish next Wednesday in Kawhia,” Mr Maiden said.
The tractors drove in convoy and tried to avoid main roads.
“We travel at a minimum of two power poles spaces between tractors, so tankers and big trucks can pass and have room to fit in,” he said.
“A lot of people wave, but you get ignorant motorists who get impatient, but overall the general public are aware of what we’re all about. And whenever we stop in a town people come out with their money.”
They travelled at between 20 and 25kms an hour.
The trek was the idea of Phil Aish from Auckland. His wife Janice spent a month in hospice before she died and the care she received was superb, he said.
So, he organised the trek, which had raised more than $60,000 for hospices around the country.
The money they made in each locality went to the hospice in that area.
The Great New Zealand Tractor Trek arrived in New Plymouth from Hawera on Sunday raising money for Hospice Taranaki along the way.
More than 10 tractors, with others joining for legs along the way, left Bluff on February 22 with the aim of arriving in Cape Reinga on March 18.
Taranaki man Rodney Maiden had raised $5000 for Hospice Taranaki, so far.
“It’s a trip that I’m so enjoying. I’m combining my two passions – my passion of tractor trekking and my passion for raising money for worthwhile causes. And of course Hospice fits into that admirably.”
