The Rescue Warriors is a group of 12 blokes from mid Canterbury who are biking the length of New Zealand to raise money to support MISSION 2026, the modernisation and transformation of the rescue helicopter service across Canterbury and the West Coast.
Ahead of their ride in February 2026, we thought we’d catch up with each of the warriors to find out what’s inspired them to take on this challenge.
Bruce says his wife Deborah is to blame for all of this – she was the one that bought a coffee table book about the inaugural 2016 Tour Aotearoa. Bruce took one look at it and said, “I’ll do that”.
A recreational rider for about five years, Bruce knew he needed to do a bit more to prevent his health deteriorating. A proud Pops to nine grandchildren, he wanted to make sure he was fit enough to keep up with them.
He talked a few mates into joining him for the ride. To make sure they were really committed, they decided to raise some money along the way.
As a Lions Club member, Bruce had been involved with previous fundraising for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust. He also had a personal connection to the service with his dad using the rescue helicopter twice, and his brother-in-law once.
So, the Rescue Warriors was born, and Tour Aotearoa 2022 was the goal.
Bruce was hoping to raise $25,000 for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust through their 3,000 km ride. He was “blown away” when their fundraising total hit $100,000. “But when it’s such a good cause like the rescue helicopter, it’s hard not to support it.”
When Bruce told Deborah he’s doing the ride again in 2026, she said “no, you’re not”. But guess what? He is, and the Rescue Warriors has now tripled in size with 12 riders taking on the 2026 challenge.
Bruce is in ‘Team Muscle’ – the five-person team starting in Bluff on traditional push bikes. During the ride, Bruce expects to be on his bike between 8 to 10 hours a day. He says you learn to listen to your body; “the human body is an amazing thing; you just have to look after it”.
And the cause is his fuel.
“We’re riding for such an important cause, the rescue helicopters, and that gives us the fuel to keep moving – the jersey bonds us.”
You can follow the Rescue Warriors on their incredible journey via their Facebook page.
Bruce Kell says the rescue helicopter is such a great cause it’s hard not to support it.
