An epic journey from Dunedin to Auckland, traversing some of New Zealand's most beautiful countryside whilst making a tangible difference to children's lives through heart research

New Zealand's first ever Land Rover has re-emerged. I'm Julian Paton, from the University of Auckland, and I'm the proud new owner of this amazing piece of history. I plan to combine my passion for Land Rovers with my life's work in heart health research by driving this 1948 Land Rover from it's current home in Dunedin to my home in Auckland aiming to raise over $300,000 to help combat Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in children.

RHD destroys the lives of Kiwi kids; 8% do not survive surgery; 30% die after 15 years and 40% are dead by 20 years of age. Together we can turn this around through a revolutionary new heart valve. Every gift, large or small, will help to move forward the Drive4Hearts and this ground breaking research. Donate today.

Follow our daily progress here: https://www.polarsteps.com/CraigIrwin1/15865548-drive4hearts

Or here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drive4hearts/profilecard/?igsh=YTA2ZGkxajh3bmJ2

Scroll down to learn more about this journey and the story behind it

Or click on this link to hear the story

https://1drv.ms/u/c/667e8a333188ea35/Efs5WZXHHm9GtsVYXrYxtj8B6Pd7V2sxWb6b6YW4HFM2Aw?e=pIqtnY

1. The amazing back story on NZ's first Land Rover

2. Rheumatic Heart Disease and Heart Health research

3. The journey - key dates and route detail

4. The amazing partners who have helped to make all this possible

1. A bit about New Zealand's first Land Rover

New Zealand's first Land Rover was sent from the factory in Solihull, Birmingham, UK, on 16th September 1948 to Wellington Motors Ltd (see dispatch record below).

Look for chassis number ‘R860020’ in the this record – this means it is the 20th production vehicle built, hence the name “20”. 20 is probably the most original, oldest Land Rover in the world.

Built on 31st August 1948, it came to New Zealand alone as a demonstrator vehicle. The Rover company exported the majority of their new Land Rovers to gain government subsidies for obtaining steel, which was scarce post WWII. 20 is remarkably original and a superb example of the first Land Rovers. It was registered in Wellington, New Zealand on 28th October 1948.

It is known that 20 was driven up parliament steps to demonstrate its unique four-wheel drive capability! Subsequently, it was taken around New Zealand and on 30th November 1948, the Otago Daily Times featured 20 in an article entitled: “British Version of Jeep” where it drove up a steep ploughed slope in Dunedin and successfully operated a set of heavy swamp discs.

These historical events portrayed the versatility and “go anywhere” features of the Land Rover (at this time, the vehicle was known simply as ‘The Land Rover’ as no other model was available). Below is another picture of 20 - this time in the 1970’s demonstrating the adventurous fun element that a Land Rover brings.

For over 30 years 20 was tucked away in a service garage until Peter Marr bought her 10 years ago and took her to Dunedin. Peter is credited for completing an extensive but sympathetic restoration maintaining her originality and that included her patina. Peter is pictured with 20 here:

2. Rheumatic Heart Disease and Heart Health research

Heart disease is New Zealand’s biggest killer.

Most of us know someone suffering from cardiovascular disease such as a heart attack, hypertension, stroke or heart failure. Being Director of the Centre for Heart Research – Manaaki Manawa, University of Auckland and co-Director of Pūtahi Manawa, the Centre of Research Excellence for heart health equity, I have a great opportunity to contribute to the fight the biggest killer.

Just as the valves in 20’s engine control the movement of combustible gases, valves operate to control the directional movement of blood through the heart with every beat.

New Zealand has one of the worse incidences of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in developed countries globally! RHD rots out heart valves and these must be replaced with artificial valves.

1400 children in New Zealand will develop RHD every year. For a child diagnosed with RHD, they are faced with multiple risky and painful operations throughout their lives. The issue they face is that the artificial valves do not grow as the heart develops causing them to leak. RHD destroys the lives of children; 8% do not survive surgery; 30% die after 15 years and 40% are dead by 20 years of age.

3. The journey - key dates & route detail

Driving New Zealand’s first and oldest Land Rover from Dunedin to Auckland (approx.1800 km), I wish to raise $300,000 to support the development of a new heart valve that is both natural and will grow with the child’s heart.

Leaving Dunedin on Friday, 31st January 2025, I plan to take a slightly 'scenic' route to Auckland, hopefully arriving on Sunday 16th or Monday, 17th February.

Dunedin to Christchurch: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TiXeJSVuqG6PJ6A46

Christchurch to Picton: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UpHUoqkdpEUn51Fg7

Wellington to Napier: https://maps.app.goo.gl/taDdGaAnjAgp4FEK6

Napier to Auckland: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UsVqdPvqwppiYFkY6

4. The amazing partners who have made all this possible

We'd like to say a huge 'thank-you' to the following partners who have made all this possible: