GODZONE launched in fine style as Richie flies in

Richie McCaw certainly knows how to make an entrance.

The man often tagged the greatest All Black of all time dropped in to Rapaura School this afternoon, piloting a helicopter onto the school grounds.

He was there as part of the community launch of the world-renowned expedition race, One NZ GODZONE, the 12th chapter of which will begin in the region tomorrow.

Richie and good friend Rob Nichol, both part of the PURE ADVENTURE Trust which has resurrected the iconic event, were welcomed to the school by over 100 excited students who performed a rousing kapa haka and accompanying songs.

That was followed by a Q&A session, with Richie McCaw posed some intriguing questions by the students, including what he considered his best All Black try [against the Springboks at the 2025 World Cup] and what his favourite food [rack of lamb] was.

A signed All Black jersey, auctioned to raise school funds, was presented along with other donated prizes.

Richie 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? '” he said.

“Something about the professional sportsmen that I’ve played with is you don’t have to come from anywhere special to be prepared to take on and meet a challenge.”

“After seven days out on GODZONE and you're sitting around with your teammates talking about what you went through … going through the tough bits and achieving - that’s the bit I love,” he said.

“But if you didn’t go through the hard times, you might not get that feeling or learn so much from the experience.”

The afternoon ended with a mini touch rugby game with Richie and Rob part of the action.

Richie said he relished visiting smaller schools, such as Rapaura, having come from a rural background himself.

“It reminds me of what it was like growing up myself,” he said.

“There is always a slightly different atmosphere – country kids compared with those from the big city … it’s pretty cool.”

Richie said coming from a smaller region was often an advantage.

“I know in the rugby sense you don’t have to go too far before someone knows someone who knows an All Black or a Silver Fern or a Black Cap … it’s one of those smalltown things.

“One of the cool things is that All Blacks, the Black Caps whoever, we all come from these small areas, so there is no reason why you can’t get there … you don’t have to come from any special background.

“Your communities also keep you grounded so you don’t think you are better than anyone else – they let you just get on and do what you do well,” he added.

Meanwhile all is in readiness for tomorrow’s briefing and ensuing start of GODZONE, with Richie and Rob, veterans of four GODZONE events, part of the organising crew this time around.

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 7am tomorrow.

Marlborough 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.

“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.”

Quick Facts

What: One NZ GODZONE Chapter 12

When: November 27 - December 5, 2025

Where: Marlborough /Welcome & Registration Host

Course: The 550+ km course route remains a secret until the event starts