The two-week Think And Be Me Foundation Tractor Trek (formerly the Feelings For Life Charitable Trust Tractor Trek) took place from 23 February to 6 March 2026.
Think And Be Me is a mental-regulation programme for young children delivered throughout the year by Cat Levine and Willie to Year 1–6 students. Each summer, the Tractor Trek crew join them for two weeks to help deliver the programme to schools.
Last year the Trek team visited Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). This year the convoy travelled south to visit schools in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay).
Highlights from the 2026 Trek
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20 primary schools (Years 1–6, ages 5–10) visited
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Around 3,000 children participated in the Think And Be Me programme
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Approximately 8.5 hours of shows delivered (20–30 minutes each)
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After each show, children enjoyed 30 minutes climbing on the tractors, meeting the Trek team, and singing “Happy Birthday” to Rusty, the “200-year-old” tractor
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Ten tractors attended each school — seven from Auckland, three from Whanganui, and one from Hamilton
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Over 17 days, the convoy travelled 1,500 km at an average speed of 29 km/h
The volunteer drivers, all passionate tractor enthusiasts, came from a variety of backgrounds including mechanics, engineers, former farmers, and office workers. Our sincere thanks go to them for generously covering their own diesel, food, and accommodation.
Special thanks also to Narrows Park Christian Camp (Hamilton) and the Guthrie-Smith Arboretum (Tutira, Napier) for their support.
The Foundation also gratefully received $2,545 in donations through Givealittle.
Most of all, everyone agreed the trek was great fun, enjoying the children, the companionship, and the countryside along the way.
