Sansom said a group of 16, 13 on scooters and three people travelling in a support van, are taking part.
He got the idea, after buying a new Vespa which he describes as a superb machine but it is designed for city commuting and cobbled roads in Italy .
However, they are all riding on the most powerful model so the Vespas are capable of cruising along at 100km/h.
The group pictured on day one at their starting off point at Cape Reinga.
Photo: Facebook/ Perry Sansom
The reaction from fellow New Zealanders has been enthusiastic, he said. It s just been great - we ve had such incredible support with people tooting horns as we fly past them.
Sir John Kirwan arrives in Whangārei on Vespa, raising funds for Mental Health Foundation
16 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
Quick Read
Look out, John Kirwan s coming! On a Vespa! Photo / Tania Whyte
Peter de Graaf is a reporter for the Northern Advocatepeter.degraaf@northernadvocate.co.nznorthernadvocat
You may not have recognised ex-All Black John Kirwan as he puttered through Whangārei yesterday.
That s because the rugby coach turned mental health campaigner was riding a Vespa motorscooter.
The fleeting visit was part of Motorally Aotearoa, which is raising money and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation.
Twelve mates, most of them riding the classic Italian-built two-wheelers, left Cape Rēinga yesterday morning.
Northland news in brief: Kittens galore
12 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
3 minutes to read
The fitness group have walked over 2500km and raised over $2000 for Whangārei children s charity Kind Hands.
The fitness group have walked over 2500km and raised over $2000 for Whangārei children s charity Kind Hands.
Northern Advocate
A Far North fitness group have walked over 2500km and raised over $2000 for Whangārei children s charity Kind Hands. The group, led by Opua-based OutFit North personal trainer Nadine Amsler, hiked numerous walking tracks around the country, including many in Paihia, Kerikeri, Russell and Cape Reinga, for this year s Classic Builders 90 More Miles Challenge. The event, held throughout March, raised money for the Kind Hands respite care cottage, which offers respite care for children aged under six who have a disability or are medically fragile. Participants run, walk or skip the equivalent of Ninety Mile Beach anywhere they wish. Amsler s team clocked up 2653km,