Fundraisers in Minis take Pork Pie path

Barb Moyes and Mike Burr of Rotorua have travelled from Kaitaia to Invercargill in a Mini as part of a fundraiser for KidsCan Charitable Trust.

A group of Rotorua Mini enthusiasts has driven from Kaitaia to Invercargill raising money and awareness for the KidsCan Charitable Trust.

Taking part was local police officer Mike Burr and his partner Barb Moyes, who works as a secretary at Rotorua Hospital.

They were joined by four other Minis and their owners from Rotorua and were among 60 cars that followed the path of the popular 1981 movie Goodbye Pork Pie to raise $150,000 for the trust. The trip took up to six days from last Thursday to Wednesday and covered more than 2500km.

"It's been great," Mr Burr said. "We did have a few breakdowns and issues with my car. In Greymouth we needed some repairs and one of the others cars had an ongoing electrical problem but other than that it's been pretty straightforward."

He said they were always welcomed as the Minis drove through and stayed in the rural towns they visited.

"It's just amazing. So many people know the movie. It's certainly been a good feel."

Mr Burr said they also saw first hand how KidsCan was helping.

The organisation, set up 10 years ago, supports the education of thousands of disadvantaged New Zealand children in 448 decile 1-4 schools nationwide.

"I didn't realise until now how much KidsCan support children in school. It's been quite a big eye opener. We visited a fully [te reo Maori] immersion school in the Far North and they were on a kayaking outdoor adventure trip which had direct support from KidsCan. They were amazed to see these guys from the big city turn up."

The Rotorua group fundraised for the organisation before the trip started with each team needing to raise $1000.

That was raised through quiz nights, barbecues and donations through their Facebook page. Mr Burr said people had also come up to them and given money when they visited each town.

He said it was "amazing" being with others who loved driving and owning Minis.

"I was 13 years old when I saw the Pork Pie movie in Taupo and my first three cars were a Mini, and my fifth car."

He had since bought several others and had spent time doing them up. "I suppose as a young teenager when the movie came out I thought these little cars were pretty exciting and have always loved them since then."