Thousands of Harley riders rev up to raise money for Salvation Army
Thousands of motorcycle riders from across New Zealand and Australia are banding together this weekend to raise money for charity.
Harley-Davidson has rallied the motorcyclists for the return of United We Ride, in which riders leave from Harley dealerships across New Zealand and Australia at a set time.
Every dollar raised from the ride goes directly to the Salvation Army, which provides critical frontline services, including emergency housing and financial counselling for families experiencing hardship.
Building on the momentum from 2025, United We Ride has quickly become a flagship moment for the riding community, bringing together owners, H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) chapters, motorcycle enthusiasts and its dealer network for a shared cause.
Seventy-one South Island riders have already registered across Christchurch, Dunedin and Nelson, following the event’s inaugural year, when more than 3000 riders raised $160,000.
Last year, Paul "Huggie" Harris and the Southern Legends took home the top team award, acknowledging their fundraising efforts. Photo / Anna Heath
Paul “Huggie” Harris, the membership officer for the Christchurch H.O.G., the Southern Legends, said it was a great way for people to give back to the community while doing something they loved.
“The motorcycle community’s a huge community; it captures many people from all sorts of places of life.
“One of the things that is special to us is that we support the community around us whilst we’re doing something we love, which is riding our bikes with our mates.
“But at the same time, to have the opportunity to raise funds for some very, very special things is something that’s really important to us.”
Southern Legends is the only authorised dealer for Harley-Davidson in Christchurch.
Last year, Harris and the Southern Legends also took home the top team award, acknowledging their fundraising efforts at the 2025.
United We Ride will raise funds for Salvation Army frontline services. Photo / Anna Heath
As part of recognising Harris and the Southern Legends campaign, Harley-Davidson gifted him a motorcycle.
“I thought – what am I going to do with this bike – because obviously I’ve got my own bike,” he said.
It was decided that even the gifted motorcycle, dubbed Little Huggie after Harris, would be used to give back to others.
“I actually used the bike to maintain and use the bike for others to ride.
“One of the members on our team, she got her restricted and her full licence riding Little Huggie.
“Little Huggie’s been all over New Zealand, through the central, over the coast; it’s been everywhere.
“It was a gift that was given to me, but then I decided, well, this is a gift that can keep giving.”
Those wanting to show support can do so through the United We Ride website, with contributions accepted right up until event day.
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