15 September 2025
At 71 years old, former MP and Ngāi Tahu Canterbury Regional Councillor Nuk Korako is back in the saddle – this time embarking on his biggest challenge yet: cycling 3,500km plus from Perth to Melbourne to raise vital funds and awareness for children facing cancer in New Zealand and Australia.
Korako, well-known for his community-driven charity rides, has previously cycled 1,417km in 2025 to raise funds for the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre, and 1,570km in 2024 to support a young woman’s life-changing jaw reconstruction.
On Saturday 20th September, he will set off from Perth Children’s Hospital on the ANZCARE Inaugural Cycle Ride for Child Cancer, averaging 120 – 150km a day for nearly a month. Nuk and the two organisations are working together to ensure children with cancer on both sides of the Tasman benefit equally, with every kilometre dedicated to supporting families in both New Zealand and Australia.
“Child cancer is a journey no whānau or family chooses,” says Korako. “This ride is about giving hope, raising awareness, and reminding families in New Zealand and Australia that they are not alone.”
Children in hospitals and schools across both countries will be able to follow his progress live each day, with satellite tracking technology enabling them to cheer him on and send messages of encouragement.
Monica Briggs, Chief Executive of Child Cancer Foundation New Zealand, says Nuk’s commitment is both inspiring and humbling:
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“Every week in New Zealand, three families are told their child has cancer. In Australia, more than 750 children receive the same devastating news each year. Nuk’s ride is a powerful reminder that across both our nations, families facing childhood cancer need to know their community stands beside them. His incredible effort will help us continue providing essential support and hope.”
The ANZCARE initiative – standing for Australia & New Zealand Child Cancer Advocacy, Research & Empowerment – aims to unite the two countries behind one cause.
All of Korako’s own travel, flights, and bike logistics are being covered by the Korako Family Trust, with road support generously assisted by sponsors including Maui Campervans, Consilium, WattWheels, Signtech, Scenic Hotel Group, and TrackMe NZ. This ensures that 100% of every donation goes directly to Child Cancer Foundation in New Zealand and Children’s Cancer Foundation in Australia.
The ride officially begins on Saturday 20th September with a departure ceremony at Perth Children’s Hospital before Korako and his team head east across the Nullarbor and on to Melbourne.
How to Support:
Donations can be made via the ANZCARE & Child Cancer Foundation fundraising platform: https://anzcareride.give2ccf.com/
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