This Easter 60 Minis will gather in Kaitaia for the start of a 2,500km drive through to Invercargill – in just six days. All eyes are on Tauranga’s women-only team, Madams of Mayhem.
“Madams of Mayhem really stood out on our huge list of possible names. Only later did we realise we’ll actually have to talk to people and name it out loud,” laugh team members Hanna Peters and Deidre Rennie.
The name was needed to enroll in the annual Pork Pie Charity Run for Mini owners. Every year the lovers of these compact stylish cars drive through New Zealand to raise money for KidsCan Charitable Trust.
KidsCan supports over 700 low decile schools by providing children with lunches, shoes, raincoats and basic health provisions. Every team participating in the charity run is expected to donate at least $1,000.
Hanna and Deidre have been organising sausage sizzles and talking to local companies about donations in exchange for a banner on their car. They have also created Mini-shaped badges and sets of drink coasters to sell. “It’s as competitive as it gets! We check the results of the other teams on GoFundraise all the time. We know that some people have collected up to $14,000 in the previous years and we’re not giving up! We aim to raise at least $5,000.”
Both women are no strangers to kids in need. Hanna works at the Tauranga Library and often sees kids who stay hungry for the whole day or who don’t have their own pair of shoes. Working in the recruitment business, Deidre also sees a lot of young people who, for whatever reason, have not benefited from an ideal education. So, they are more than keen to help.
But registering for the run wasn’t easy as the event has gained so much popularity. This year’s Pork Pie Charity Run sold out in just 20 minutes! “We didn’t know if we had made it into the first 50 applicants until the next day. Apparently, the demand was so high, they’ve even increased the number of teams to 60 this year.” That’s a huge difference from 20 cars in the first year! Madams of Mayhem is one of five Tauranga teams participating in 2019.
Friends, and now also teammates, Hanna and Deidre met at the Tauranga Mini Owners club. “I found out about the Pork Pie run about two years ago,” recalls Deidre. “I thought it sounded cool but wasn’t ready to go then. What if my 1982 Mini couldn’t make it? But, this year I turn 60 and it’s Mini’s 60th Birthday as well. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate! I even bought a more reliable car for this trip!” Deirdre is now the proud owner of a shiny dark blue 1998 Rover Mini Cooper with sporty white stripes at the front.
If the route from Kaitaia to Invercargill sounds strangely familiar, you’re not far from the truth – it’s the exact replica of the Blondini Gang’s journey in a Mini, in New Zealand’s 1981 movie Goodbye Pork Pie.
The ‘Madams’ are especially excited about the South Island leg of their trip. “I’m from Wellington and I have never been to Kaikoura before,” admits Deidre. “And I can’t wait to see the Franz Josef glacier,” adds Hanna.
Help Madams of Mayhem raise money for KidsCan: gofundraise.co.nz/page/DeidreRennie
Follow Tauranga team on their journey: facebook.com/pg/madamsofmayhem2019