Mayors Across Aotearoa Return For Second ‘Miracle Makers’ Challenge In Support Of Childhood Cancer

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, mayors across Aotearoa are once again stepping away from their desks to support the Child Cancer Foundation Street Appeal on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th March – and they’re making it a competition.

Now in its second year, the Miracle Makers: Mayoral Challenge for Childhood Cancer will see mayors from across the country take over fundraising sites in their communities to compete to see who can raise the most money for Kiwi children living with cancer and their families.

Last year, participating mayors collectively raised $11,255.10 to support families facing a childhood cancer journey – a result Child Cancer Foundation hopes to build on in 2026.

Child Cancer Foundation CEO Monica Briggs says the mayors’ continued involvement will make a huge difference in raising awareness and vital funds.

“Every week, four Kiwi families receive the devastating news that their child has cancer. It turns their world upside down overnight, and they suddenly find themselves in an unfamiliar medical world, facing months or even years of treatment. Child Cancer Foundation is here to make sure they don’t have to face that journey alone,” says Briggs.

“Our mayors showed incredible leadership last year, and we are so grateful to see them stepping up again in 2026. Their time and support help us raise the funds needed to walk alongside families when they need it most.”

Jim Boult, Patron of Child Cancer Foundation and former Queenstown-Lakes Mayor, initiated the challenge.

"This challenge started from my time as mayor, standing outside a supermarket with a collection bucket. It was a small effort, but people gave generously because they knew it was for a cause that truly matters. Now, I’m thrilled to see mayors across the country taking up the challenge again to help Kiwi kids with cancer – and who can say no to the local mayor rattling a collection bucket for a very good cause.

"I’ve been involved with Child Cancer Foundation for decades, but one conversation will stay with me forever – a 10-year-old girl, terminally ill, told my wife Karen she wasn’t afraid of dying, just of being forgotten. That’s why I do this. That’s why I asked these mayors to step up. So these brave children, and their families, know they are never alone."

The mayors will hit the streets with collection buckets, encouraging their communities to donate while also rallying support through their own networks. The mayor who raises the most money will earn the title of 2026 Miracle Maker Mayor and receive an official certificate from Child Cancer Foundation.

Child Cancer Foundation receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations to provide one-on-one emotional and practical support to families facing childhood cancer. From essential financial assistance to helping parents navigate the challenges of treatment, every dollar raised ensures these families don’t have to go through it alone.

New Zealanders can support their mayor’s fundraising efforts during the Child Cancer Foundation Street Appeal on March 13–14. Donate in person while they’re collecting, online at childcancer.org.nz/donate (select your mayor), or text their full name to 3457 to give $3 instantly, as often as you like.

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