Ride for a Cause: Team Ākina's Journey to Support Bikes in Schools

Team Ākina in the 2023 Tour of New Zealand

Team Ākina just pedalled their way to success on their seventh Tour of New Zealand to raise funds for Bikes in Schools. Former Ākina Trustee, Rod Oram shares the inspiring journey of Team Ākina, and how you can support their kaupapa.

Over a century ago, H.G. Wells famously said, "Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race." While his sentiment still rings true today, what gives me greater hope for the future is seeing a young person on a bike. That's why Team Ākina, formed by myself and a group of cycling enthusiasts, just completed our seventh Tour of New Zealand to raise money for Bikes in Schools.

We call ourselves Team Ākina, after two social enterprises approached Ākina for start-up help back in 2010 when I was a trustee. Peter Yarrell was launching a week-long fund-raising ride for charities; and Paul McArdle wanted to help communities equip their schools with bikes, tracks and training so their young people could become enthusiastic and competent cyclists.

It was an auspicious time for both ventures. The Key Government was keen for local communities to develop a national cycle network, but people were finding it very difficult to engage with Wellington. Thus, at Ākina, we were helping some of them do so.

Bikes in Schools is a charity that equips schools with bikes, tracks, and training, so young people can become confident and enthusiastic cyclists. They've made incredible progress in the 13 years since Team Ākina first started supporting them, reaching 75,000 children in more than 250 schools across the motu (country). However, there are still many more schools and students they hope to reach.

The Tour of New Zealand has been a great adventure for the riders and has raised over $3 million for various charities, thanks to the inspiring leadership of Peter Yarrell. Only six charities have been involved in each of the seven tours, to better focus support for them. Bikes in Schools is the only charity to feature in all seven, and Team Ākina is proud to continue supporting them.

It’s deeply rewarding to see the great progress people such as Peter, Paul and countless other cycling advocates across the country have made in the 13 years since. Just one glance at Ngā Haerenga, the National Cycle Trails website, will show you the richness and variety of rides we have had across our gorgeous country.

You can learn more about the Tour of New Zealand on their website, where you'll find daily blog entries from Team Ākina. The first entry for this year recaps a little of Team Ākina's history, with a photo of each of our seven teams over the years.

Eagle-eyed readers will spot we were Team Hikurangi in the first two Tours, since that was our Foundation's name then; and this year we were riding in our orange shirts from the 2021 Tour. Our blue shirts in Ākina's current colours were delayed by supply chain issues, and we can't wait to get them as a little post-Tour bonus!

We're sure HG Wells, who poked fun at cyclists’ vanities in several of his novels, would have allowed us this small indulgence in our support of cycling kids.

The event is a massive task for Peter and his volunteer crew, and last month's tour will likely be their last. However, some Tour veterans are looking at taking on the task for 2025 and beyond.

Please consider donating to Team Ākina's Givealittle page and help make a difference in the lives of young people across New Zealand. Even a small donation can go a long way and make a difference – $20 can buy a helmet, and $300 can buy a bike that will be used by many students in a school's cycling programme.

By supporting Bikes in Schools, you'll be helping young people develop healthy habits, gain confidence, and explore the beauty of New Zealand on two wheels.