Tue, 10 Jun 2025
In 1981, Mini fever hit New Zealand with the release of the classic comedy film Goodbye Pork Pie, featuring two blokes in a stolen Mini making a cross-country dash to evade the chasing cops. In 2025, the film has become the inspiration for an epic KidsCan fundraiser — the Pork Pie Charity Run. This year, 50 teams of Mini lovers loosely followed the Blondini Gang’s route from Paihia to Invercargill over six adventure-filled days. The result? An incredible $469,137 raised.
There is a lot of need in our country, and there shouldn’t be, you know - we live in a beautiful place where every kid should have the same opportunities. And I’m just glad to be part of being able to help people.
The Run’s ninth edition saw the Minis set off in pouring rain from Paihia, with some iconic teams and cars at the start line. A roofless Mini, a couple on their honeymoon, and the returns of the Mini Mack truck and a Mini missing its bonnet, boot, and lights — a homage to the movie’s final scenes as the car limps into Invercargill — were among the highlights.
The teams blew past the previous fundraising record by nearly $50,000 once all was said and done, with some incredible totals from the top five teams. The Bonodleys and Team WMCL secured tremendous business support in their home regions. Team Speedy and crowd favourites The Maverick Maniacs — also known as Plumber Dan and his uncle — were on top of their fundraising game from the start. And top fundraisers Team BushBeachBBQ ‘Yroa’ even sold a signed All Blacks jersey along the way… only to have it returned and auctioned off again!
Beneath the blown gaskets, worse-for-wear windscreens, and failing clutches, the teams know they’re making a genuine difference. Murray Hemsley from The Recidivists has seen it firsthand. “I spent a lot of my time in Northland. You really see the poverty. It’s stark. And when you see KidsCan come in with food and kids running around with jackets — it makes kids feel cared for and included,” he said.
The Mavericks from Whanganui braved all kinds of weather, completing the drive in their roofless wonder. Their fundraising efforts even included selling Dan Goldworthy's beloved V6 Stretch Limo Mini for $16,800. "I loved that car, don't get me wrong, but to help more kids in hardship I'm really happy to have that sold," Dan said.
For Mark Stretton from Team Tenpin, the impact the run has on children in poverty is what keeps him coming back time and time again. “There is a lot of need in our country, and there shouldn’t be, you know — we live in a beautiful place where every kid should have the same opportunities. And I’m just glad to be part of being able to help people.”
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible organising committee — Keri, Kev, Pete, Mike, and Barbara — and to all the amazing teams. Your support makes a real difference in the lives of children living in poverty, especially when they need it most. Thank you for showing up.
Click here to make a donation.
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