10 January 2025 Moped Mission in honour of late father

2025 has been off to an eventful start for Lincoln alum Hamish Goatley and his band of merry moped riders, who have been travelling the length of New Zealand raising money for Hospice New Zealand and Rural Support Trust.

The ride, dubbed Grunter’s Moped Mission, is in honour of Hamish’s father Grant Goatley, known as Grunter. Grunter passed away 10 years ago of Esophageal cancer.

“He’d probably think it’s a bit nuts, to be fair,” Hamish said, mid-sandwich, during a pit stop at the Lincoln campus.

“It is a bit nuts, but he’d be all for it.”

The team have raised more than $5500 since their ride began in Cape Reinga on January 4th. They expect to reach Bluff tomorrow afternoon.

“Weather conditions have been a real challenge. We’ve also had a few mechanical gremlins and a couple flat tyres.”

They faced snow while traversing the Desert Road near Mt Ruapehu and constant headwinds while coming into Canterbury.

“It’s mentally exhausting.”

The team have been waking up around 5.30am every day and sourcing accommodation as they go. They’ve been hitting up old friends and family members, finding anywhere to rest their heads.

“It’s been an amazing time. Seeing the support of people on the road has been unreal.

“Coming out of Picton a man handed us $20 out the window of his car while we were on the move.”

They haven’t counted the cash yet, but it will be added to the donation total at the end of the ride.

Hamish and his crew are from all over New Zealand, but most met while studying at Lincoln University.

Hamish, Caleb Smith and Kayla Calder all graduated in recent years. Together they took part in Handy Landys, a club dedicated to helping out in the agricultural sector in times of need. It is particularly renown for providing support in Hawke’s Bay after Cycle Gabrielle in 2023.

It was through Handy Landys that they met Jed McCready, who is still studying.

The quintuple was made complete with Hamish’s cousin, Aidan Fleming. Throughout their journey they’ve been kept safe by a pair of support drivers. Lincoln Alum Phoebe Smailes helped in the North Island, and Stephen Calder in the South Island.

None of the team were regular moped riders before the charity ride, with most of the vehicles being purchased just days before the event.

Caleb is auctioning his moped on Trade Me, with any money over $800 being added to the charity pool. Find the auction here.

You can donate at the Grunter`s Moped Mission Givealittle page.