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.
Duncan Barr likes tackling tough challenges but admits, at times, he’s questioned what he’s signed up for.
“Being a Rescue Warrior sounded like a good idea at the time,” he laughs.
Duncan took up biking about a decade ago, riding with a group of mates on trails around the South Island.
“We started with the Otago Rail Trail, and it went from there.”
When Bruce Kell suggested he bike the length of New Zealand to raise money for the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, Duncan says this time, he couldn’t say no.
“When they did the first Rescue Warrior ride a few years back I’d just sold the farm and couldn’t commit the time to train. But this time I thought bugger it; this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I’ve got to do it!”
A dairy farmer all his life, Duncan came to Ashburton 20 years ago from Taranaki and started farming just south of Hinds.
While he has sold the farm, Duncan definitely hasn’t retired as his days are full with part-time and voluntary roles. He is an Adverse Event and Wellness Coordinator for the Rural Support Trust and chair of the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective, an organisation that connects farmers through environment programmes. He is also actively involved in the Hinds & Districts Lions Club.
On top of that, he’s training for a 3,000 km bike ride.
“In life there are times you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone; test yourself. It’s great for your mental wellbeing. This bike ride is one of those times. I also think there can’t be a better way to earn a beer at the end of the day while raising money for a bloody good cause.”
While Duncan has never needed the rescue helicopter himself, he says they all know someone who has.
“The rescue helicopter is an essential service and we all must support it. It’s one of those things, a bit like an insurance policy, we need to support it because we want to make sure it’s there, but we hope like hell we never have to use it.”
As he prepares for February’s Rescue Warrior ride, Duncan’s wife and family are cheering him on every step of the way. His two daughters live nearby and he’s a proud grandad to 17-month-old Sally, with another grandchild due in March.
“You need that family support because this is a big commitment we’ve signed up to, but you couldn’t do it for a better cause. And while biking 3,000 km sounds crazy, I like to think my girls are just a little bit proud of their dad.”
You can follow the Rescue Warriors on their incredible journey via their Facebook page.
Duncan likens the rescue helicopter service to an insurance policy … you need to support it because you want to make sure it’s there, even though you hope you never have to use it.
