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.
Back in 2021, when Bruce tapped Warren on the shoulder and asked him if he wanted to bike the length of New Zealand, Warren thought “how hard can it be”.
Eight months on from having a knee replacement, Warren thought with a new knee and a new bike there would be no stopping him.
Warren has spent his life farming near the mouth of the Rangitata River. The farm has been in his family for 105 years, with his granddaughter the fifth generation now living there. But as Warren puts it, he’s now “just the boy”, giving him a bit more time for hobbies – like a 3,000 km bike ride!
Warren has always been an outdoors person believing exercise is good for the mind.
“You can spend all day on the farm by yourself so going out for a bike ride and chat with mates is great therapy”.
Warren’s focus on fitness has also improved his physical health, with his sleep apnea disappearing.
Unfortunately for Warren, that brand new knee didn’t hold up on the 2022 Tour Aotearoa as well as he hoped, having to end his ride just out of Taumarunui. Warren was bitterly disappointed but vowed and declared he would do the ride again – which didn’t surprise his wife Suzanne (apparently, she knows just how pig-headed Warren is!)
So, with another new knee, Warren is back on ‘Team Live’, a seven-person team starting the 2026 challenge at Cape Reinga, riding e-bikes.
A proud Hinds and Districts Lions Club member, Warren is passionate about his community and loves the connection the ride, and its training, brings. He also knows how vital the rescue helicopter service is. His mother was picked up by the rescue helicopter after a heart attack and the service saved the life of a farm worker’s child who fell seriously ill after choking.
“I’m hoping to inspire those who need a little nudge to start good habits while we raise funds for a great community cause.”
You can follow the Rescue Warriors on their incredible journey via their Facebook page.
When Warren was asked if he wanted to bike the length of New Zealand, he thought “how hard can it be”.
