The Cancer Society of New Zealand Chosen as Shitbox Rally NZ Local Charity Partner in North Island Adventure

The Cancer Society of New Zealand has been chosen as the recipient charity by Shitbox Rally, an initiative dedicated to raising money and awareness for Cancer Research. With 60 New Zealanders per day being diagnosed with cancer, raising vital funds to find a cure has never been so important.

In February 2016, 150 wide-eyed adventurers will descend on New Zealand's very own 'City of Sails' for an event like no other. Shitbox Rally NZ will see participants get behind the wheel for a 2,550-kilometre, seven-day expedition, through some of the North Island's most breathtaking scenery, in cars worth less than NZ$1,700. And it's all being done in the name of charity, The Cancer Society of New Zealand.

“We are pleased to be chosen as a partner of Shitbox Rally NZ” says Claire Austin, Chief Executiveof the Cancer Society of New Zealand. “Cancer is the leading cause of death in our country and the funds raised will help us to continue our research.”

Last year, the Cancer Society, which doesn't receive government funding, invested $NZ 1,602,882 into scientific research across New Zealand.

Ms Austin acknowledged Shitbox Rally founder, James Freeman's personal commitment to the cause.

“James Freeman who set up Shitbox Rally has personal experience with the devastating effects of cancer, losing both his parents to the disease,” Ms Austin says.

“As the heart and soul of the rally, his personal experience when he lost his parents to cancer 12 months apart, his drive to find a cure, and fundraising programme is an inspiration.”

Kicking off on Saturday, 12th February 2016, Shitbox NZ will see teams travel south from Auckland to the Taranaki town of Waitara, passing through the rolling hills and greenery of the Waikato. The participants will then journey east through the supremely beautiful Whanganui and Tongariro National Parks to Palmerston North and Hastings, before the rally makes its way north into the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. From there, ralliers will drive to Gisborne and then meander up the picturesque east coast to the small beachtown of Opotiki in the Bay of Plenty. Day seven has the tour finishing back where it all began, in the big smoke - Auckland.

James says, “We're very excited about taking the event across the Tasman for its international debut. And based on how creatively our vehicles are decorated we will certainly be noticed as we explore the North Island. The route will showcase quiet, unsealed back roads that offer the remote and spectacular scenery that New Zealand is famous for. It is going to be a truly unique and special Shitbox Rally and having a local charity partner in the Cancer Society of New Zealand now means we can help our neighbours in their cancer battle also.”

Since its inception, Shitbox Rally has raised over $6.1 million for cancer research in Australia. James Freeman is hoping over time we can mirror those results in the land of the long white cloud.

James Freeman adds, “We will organise everything to do with the cars, so all teams need to do is arrive, bid on a vehicle, pack and head off for the trip of a lifetime.”

A limited number of spaces on Shitbox Rally NZ are available to New Zealand based teams. To register your interest for go to www.shitboxrally.co.nz.