Cape to Capital: Pushing a Wheelbarrow 1,300km for MATES in Construction

$11,265 of $15,000 goal

Given by 116 generous donors in 9 weeks

Pushing a wheelbarrow 1,300 km from Cape Reinga to Wellington, raising $15,000 for MATES in Construction and mental health awareness.

Takapuna, Auckland

On 31 August, I’m setting off from Cape Reinga with a wheelbarrow and one goal: push it more than 1,300 km to Wellington to raise $15,000 for MATES in Construction.

Over roughly 45 days, I’ll average around 30 km a day, carrying everything I need and camping along the way. It’ll be long, uncomfortable and probably a little ridiculous - but that’s the point. Something unusual gets people talking, and every kilometre is an opportunity to start a conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

MATES in Construction works across New Zealand to build stronger, more connected workplaces and help people recognise when a mate might be struggling and connect them with support.

Your donation will support this work while also helping make the expedition possible. MATES has agreed that up to $5,000 of the $15,000 fundraising target can reimburse approved expedition costs. Everything raised beyond those approved costs goes directly towards supporting the work of MATES in Construction.

I’ll be sharing the journey from Cape Reinga to Wellington every day.

Every kilometre starts a conversation.

Latest update

Sir Pushington is up for auction! 22 October 2026

After carrying my gear from Cape Reinga towards Wellington, Sir Pushington is looking for his next home.

The Knight of the North Island, carrier of questionable decisions and destroyer of calves has battled sand, mud, hills, river crossings, driving rain and a flat tyre. He’s also helped start some pretty special conversations along the way.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared the journey, stopped for a yarn or given us a toot. You’ve helped keep this bloke and his barrow moving south.

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