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Excitement filled Rapaura School in Marlborough today as over 100 students, friends, and whanau gathered to welcome One NZ GODZONE event representatives and PURE ADVENTURE charitable trustees Richie McCaw and Rob Nichol for a special community activity.
The afternoon began with Richie McCaw flying dignitaries in his helicopter landing on the school field before students welcomed them into the school grounds with a rousing Kapa Haka and accompanying songs.
School principal Carey Huria addressed the crowd, saying it was an honour for the school to host Richie McCaw and Rob Nichol and learn more about the attributes of GODZONE.
“The return of the world-class One NZ GODZONE through the work of the PURE ADVENTURE charitable trust is significant for Marlborough and New Zealand,” said Ms Huria. “Your presence will inspire our Tamariki. You are demonstrating that leaders like yourselves, and people who give back to their community, who have dreams and make them a reality through building positive relationships, lifting people beyond what they believe they are capable of – and with gusty determination – succeed.”
Local children then joined a Q&A session, asking Richie McCaw some interesting questions, including what it was like competing at GODZONE, what he considered his best All Black try, and what his favourite food was.
A signed All Black jersey, auctioned to raise school funds, was presented along with other donated prizes.
Richie McCaw then addressed the crowd, telling students not to be afraid of discomfort or of taking on challenges, something he had always enjoyed through sport.
“People will often say you can’t, but I always say why not? ‘” said McCaw. “Something about the professional sportsmen that I’ve played with is you don’t have to come from anywhere special or in particular to be prepared to take on and meet a challenge.”
“After seven days out on GODZONE and you’re sitting around with your team mates talking about what you went through, that feeling of satisfaction of setting out to do the task, going through the tough bits and achieving – that’s the bit I love,” he said. “ But if you didn’t go through the hard bits, you might not get that feeling or learn so much from the experience.”
The afternoon featured a community BBQ and ended with a mini touch rugby game with McCaw part of the action.
Blenheim is abuzz with adventure racing teams arriving for the start of the world-renowned expedition race tomorrow (27th Nov).
The event brings together more than 128 competitors, 100 support crew, and over 120 management and volunteers. They will gather at the Marlborough Events Centre for official registration and briefing at 7:00am tomorrow.
Marlborough District Mayor Nadine Taylor will be present to welcome the teams and supporters to the region in an official capacity.
“I’m genuinely excited to see this GODZONE unfold here in Marlborough,” says Mayor Taylor. “Our region is the epitome of God’s Own Country, and we warmly welcome all the racers as they step up to the challenge of this event, held here for the first time in its history.”
“For Marlborough, this is an opportunity to firmly place our spectacular landscapes on the adventure racing map. I’m confident this Chapter 12 – Marlborough edition is going to deliver an epic experience for all involved,” she says.
“GODZONE will also deliver a very welcome economic boost to our economy as well as create a lasting memory of our region amongst participants, supporters, and followers of the event. Marlborough is truly ready for this adventure like no other.”

Photo captions on image files.

For more information, interview & imagery requests, contact:
Margo Berryman
One NZ GODZONE Media Manager
P:+64 21 246 3342
E:margo@qt.co.nz
www.godzoneadventure.com