Aotearoa Riding Pirates cross the Pacific

Aotearoa Riding Pirates cross the Pacific to the shores of the Kingdom of Tonga with educational supplies

Auckland; New Zealand; 19th October

A group of like minded bikers with a flair for fundraising and a passion for adventure are taking on a unique challenge:

8 Harley Davidsons
13 People
Kingdom Of Tonga
30 Village Schools
1 Container of Supplies
7 Days
4500 Kilometres

The Aotearoa Riding Pirates are raising $50,000 worth of educational and health supplies for the remote village schools in Tonga. In February 2009 these will be placed in a container along with their beloved Harley Davidson bikes and then shipped to Tonga care of Reef Shipping and Ca Bella Construction. Thanks to Air New Zealand the Pirates will be following. Once there the Pirates will tour the island visiting remote villages and their schools delivering the goods from the seats of their Harley Davidsons.

“The overall campaign was launched 4 weeks ago in Auckland and the response has been overwhelming” comments organiser Melinda Seal. “Everyone wants to see these children have the basic creative and educational requirements in their classrooms and homes to further their education”.

“On behalf of the Air NZ Pacific Island NZL Region, I am very happy to be able to support such a worthy cause for Tonga.” comments Tafilelea Fa'avae Gagamoe from Air NZ “I am looking forward to working with Melinda Seal and her dedicated team to ensure that they reach their aim of taking their charitable work to the Kingdom of Tonga.”

The Kingdom of Tonga and Aotearoa/New Zealand have always had strong links in many areas of our respective countries from culture to politics. This new challenge for the Pirates provides a unique opportunity to help their wider Pacific Whanau. Tonga is the first Pacific Island the group will visit. This is going to be a truly memorable experience for the children, youth, families and community in Tonga.

The first major fundraising event will be hosted at Swashbucklers Restaurant in Westhaven, Auckland by the Riding Pirates. On the 1st November from 2pm to 8pm, everyone is invited to join the group. We have Tongan Cultural Group performances, live music, heaps of awesome raffles, off shore power boat trips, luxury boat trips and loads more. Air New Zealand have provided a trip for two to Tonga to be won on the evening. Tickets are $20.00 each and everyone under 18 has free entry, every $20 ticket purchased goes into the draw for the trip to Tonga.

ENDS

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