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.
Cycling is not new to Brian, but biking the length of the country certainly is.
“I’m a bit apprehensive about the whole thing, but I’ll just follow the leader!” Brian says.
Brian started biking when his kids were in primary school. He looked at what they were doing and thought ‘it can’t be that hard’.
Over the years he’s completed a few races for local clubs but says a 50 or 60 kilometre race is quite different to biking 100 kilometres a day – every day for a month.
“The Rescue Warriors ride is going to be a real adventure. It will be a different style of riding to what I’m used to – a bit more relaxed. I’m going to make an effort to slow down and enjoy the scenery.”
Cycling has been a big part of Brian and wife Megan’s life. Their daughter Lauren Ellis is a two-time Olympian, representing New Zealand in track cycling at the London and Rio games.
“Lauren’s joked that I haven’t done enough training but she’s given some great advice. The whole family support this ride 100%.”
Brian has lived in Hinds for most of his life, running the family’s seed processing business until his recent retirement. He was asked to take part in the Rescue Warriors ride by his fellow members of the Hinds and Districts Lions Club.
“The Rescue Warriors are an amazing bunch of guys and it’s such a great cause to be riding for. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter is a vital link for our community – a real life-saving service.”
Each of the Rescue Warriors is funding their own costs for the ride, meaning 100% of donations go towards the rescue helicopter.
Brian says they’ve been blown away by the generosity of the community.
“Mid-Canterbury is a tremendous community. They are so generous and when we tell people we’re raising money for the rescue helicopters, their reaction is always positive. If they haven’t had a ride in the rescue helicopter themselves, you can guarantee they know someone who has.”
Brian’s wife, two children and three grandchildren are all planning to be in Bluff to watch Brian cross the finish line in a weeks’ time.
“Getting to the finish line will be such an experience. I’m looking to seeing places I’ve never seen and meeting people I’ll probably never meet again. It really will be the adventure of a lifetime.”
Donate to the Rescue Warriors here.
You can follow the Rescue Warriors on their incredible journey via their Facebook page.
Brian says when they tell people they’re riding to raise money for the rescue helicopters, the reaction is always positive. He says if they haven’t had a ride in a rescue helicopter themselves. you can guarantee they know someone who has.
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