McCaw + Tana + Family

Tana's Wish: "I wish to meet Richie McCaw"

Nine-year-old Tana's wish was to have an unforgettable experience in New Zealand's stunning South Island province of Canterbury. Here at Make-A-Wish, we were aware that he's a huge All Blacks fan, so we thought that a helicopter flight with Canterbury All Blacks legend Richie McCaw would definitely tick his boxes.

Richie McCaw is world famous for playing an incredible 149 games for the All Blacks, the majority of which he was captain of the team - on no less than 111 occasions. These days, while he is retired from the playing field, he is still a captain of sorts - a captain of his very own glider and helicopter! Both of which he is fully qualified to pilot.

McCaw + Tana sitting on heli resized

When Make-A-Wish NZ reached out to Richie and his wife Gemma, they were quick to offer Tana and his family the opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight with his All Black idol. Tana is bravely living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, so an uplifting experience was just what he needed to boost his morale.

Richie took Tana's whole family, parents Alex and Paul, brothers Nathon and Karehana, Dante and Tana for a spectacular 25 minute flight over Christchurch.

Tana's mother Alex said it really was a dream come true, "it was everything we could have asked for and more. No faults, just absolutely perfect."

McCaw in cockpit

But Tana's wish dream didn't end there, he was also kept busy with a complete Christchurch experience that included a tram ride, exploring the botanic gardens, a visit to Orana Wildlife Park, a ride on the gondolas and a visit at the International Antarctic Centre.


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Tana w giraffes 2

 

Gondola

 

Tana flower

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