The Wahine Toa collective organised the recent motorcycle event in Tairāwhiti, bringing together 213 female riders from across New Zealand and Australia as part of the 20th International Female Riders Day on 2 May.

Held in more than 120 countries worldwide, the event unites women riders across the globe to “just ride”, with the Tairāwhiti gathering becoming the first event of the day to officially get underway.

The local ride was organised by members of Bitches Inc, East Coast Highway 35 MC and Gisborne Road Pirates SMC, who came together to form East Coast Wahine Toa MC purely to host this ladies event.

“We wanted to showcase Tairāwhiti to the world while showing that female riders have their place on the roads and celebrating how awesome we all are,” said East Coast Wahine Toa MC spokesperson Korine Stairs.

“The event was a celebration of women’s mana, with all proceeds going to the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust — a deserving cause that is vitally important to all of us, especially as motorcyclists.

“On behalf of East Coast Wahine Toa MC, thank you to everyone who generously supported the event.”

Trust Chairman Ian Parker said the funds would go towards new state-of-the-art night vision goggles for the rescue crew.

“What these wāhine have achieved is incredible,” he said.

“What started as an idea turned into an event with hundreds of riders promoting our region to the world.

“Every dollar helps keep the helicopter in the air and ensures we can continue delivering advanced medical care to people across the region, no matter where they live.”

Back row (L to R) Max Neustroski (Air Crew Officer), Lisa Porter, Tiffany Jenkins, Kari Lalonde Bond, Gareth McDougall (Critical Care Paramedic), Tony Brice (Pilot).
Front row (L to R): Ian Parker (Eastland Helicopter Trust Chairman), Jesse Baker, Korine Stairs, Michelle Lomax, Anna-Marie Larsen. Absent: Helen McGuigan, Victoria Cameron, Mary Chaffey.