Professor Julian Paton has completed a 2,168km journey from Dunedin to Auckland in one of New Zealand’s first Land Rovers to raise awareness and funds for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The Drive 4 Hearts fundraiser supports efforts to combat RHD, which disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific communities.
Paton, director of the Manaaki Manawa Heart Research Centre at the University of Auckland, left Dunedin on 31 January 2025 and spent over two weeks on the road. Along the way, he encountered stories of human connection and support, reinforcing the urgency of tackling cardiovascular disease.
The 1948 Land Rover he drove is one of the first imported into New Zealand, originally used as a demonstration vehicle. Last week, ACT leader David Seymour’s stunt with a similar Land Rover on the steps of Parliament briefly drew attention to Paton’s journey.
However, the focus remained on the fundraiser, which aims to develop a new heart valve for children affected by RHD.
A Blenheim reporter first covered Drive 4 Hearts, and the story was later republished in NZ Doctor. The fundraiser continues, with donations accepted at JustGiving.com/page/drive4hearts.
