Digging deep for kids

  Angel Nobel, with sons Charlie (left) age 18 months and Archie (four), launched Little Rides in May after attending a charity gala focused on encouraging young people into trades. Supplied.

Children from Ashburton to Ashley can now enjoy a ride-on experience they will never forget, thanks to a new Canterbury business that uses digger hire to fund free rides for children who might otherwise miss out.

Little Rides, launched in May by Christchurch mother and banking professional Angel Noble, offers fully operational mini diggers for hire at children’s parties, community events and family gatherings across the region.

 The unique trailer-mounted digger gives children aged two and over the chance to operate real machinery in a safe, controlled environment.

What sets Little Rides apart is its purpose.

 Revenue from private bookings directly funds free visits to preschools, early childhood centres and charity events, ensuring children from all backgrounds can experience the joy of hands-on play.

“We do as many free preschool visits as we can during the week,” Noble said. “We’ve been to charity events, visited early childhood centres and even worked with kids in care. It’s not about profit. It’s about making sure all children get to experience that joy.”

Purpose before profit

The idea was sparked while Noble was on maternity leave after attending a charity gala focused on encouraging young people into the trades.

“I wanted to create something that was fun but also purposeful, something that could inspire kids, especially those who might not have the easiest start in life,” she said.

Noble, who continues to work full time in banking, said the project was driven by a desire to give back to the community and provide opportunities for children whose families might be struggling financially.

“I’m really lucky, I love my job, we’re doing okay, and we don’t go without,” she said. “But I know that’s not everyone’s reality. I think about the parents who are struggling just to pay for groceries or power. The idea that their kids might miss out on something as simple as play because of that, I couldn’t shake it.”

     Children as young as two -right through to adults – can experience driving a digger first-hand in a safe and controlled environment. Supplied.

Safe, hands-on learning

The Little Rides digger is mounted on a trailer and can be set up within minutes.

Once installed, children climb a short set of stairs, strap in and operate the digger using two simple levers, digging and scooping sand within the boundaries of a built-in sandpit.

The machine has been modified to run at slower speeds with restricted movement, and additional safety features include weight sensors, seatbelts and automatic stops.

The ride is suitable for adults too, with many parents taking the chance to try their hand at the controls.

The concept is believed to be the only one of its kind in New Zealand and one of only two in Australasia.

“With such a strong rural culture here, you’d think someone would have done it before,” Noble said. “But it means we get to bring something completely new to families.”

    Little Rides diggers are hired privately with funds used to provide the ride-on experience for children who may otherwise miss out. Supplied.

Building futures

While the digger ride is a source of entertainment, Noble hopes it will also spark interest in trades and machinery among young people.

“Maybe it’s their first experience of machinery, or the first time they realise they’re capable of doing something on their own,” she said. “Every ‘I did it!’ moment matters.”

With plans to import additional rides and expand community outreach, Noble said Little Rides was just getting started.

“It might look like charity work from the outside, but for us it’s about joy.

“It’s about meeting incredible kids and families, hearing their stories, and creating moments they’ll never forget.”

Little Rides offers four-hour private hires from $220, with all profits used to fund free community visits. Bookings and more information are available at www.littlerides.co.nz.