Straight Up Construction Taupo ltd

24/06/2026

Here is a recap of Paul's Trans Balkan Race.
There has been great support for the Leprosy Mission NZ
The following Business have donated Generously:
Vowzes Paint and Texture
Sharrp Kitchens
Apex Windows
AG Industrial
Flooring First Taupo
Quality Signs
BMac Design
Coe Plumbing and Drainage
Spiderweb Safety Nets
Dingo Digs
Please support these great Businesses!!!
There is still a chance to donate and have your Business added to the list.
See donation link in Comments.

15/06/2026

It's already been a week since finishing the Trans Balkan Race but I wanted to give a final update.
The last 48 hours of the race were pretty intense. 70km of what felt like a desert. Then 100km of undulating remote area, mostly done at night. The last 70km were on tarseal, this gave a great opportunity to reflect on the last 10 days of riding. Tears were shed, but a deep sense of satisfaction remained. The last decent was done with a huge smile on my face. Somehow against all the odds I was about to cross the finish line.
Thank you for all the messages and support.
The Give a little page will be open a bit longer. It would be great to get a few more donations!! See less

04/06/2026

Update Message from Naomi Riedel about Paul (her dad):

874km down and he's still peddling!
It has been a brutal few days out there for Dad, and it's certainly not getting any easier. He has gone from battling dehydration and 35º heat to almost freezing temperatures and torrential rain for the last few hours. Just when you thought it couldn't get much harder, out of nowhere (in the middle of nowhere?!) comes a car and an almost collision. Luckily, only a few scrapes and grazes later, Dad got back on his bike and kept peddling.
Dad faces a battle against the clock. One that has meant many people have pulled out, including the friends he made at the beginning of the race. He now has just over 24 hours to make it to Check Point 2. A checkpoint that is just under 200km away. Oh, and did I mention it's midnight!?
At this point, I think most of us would count our odds, look at how far we've come, say we gave it a great shot, call it quits and head to bed. A valiant effort nonetheless. Luckily, Dad is not like most people. He is a battler and won't give up without a fight.
So on he peddles. Up and up and up.
Will he make the checkpoint? It'll be touch and go.
What we know for sure is that he is out there giving his all, and whatever the outcome, he can be very proud of the resilience and determination he has shown!
These external factors Dad faces are a great insight into what those in rural villages in Nepal face when travelling for medical treatment – rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain with steep mountains and thick bush, and limited sources of food. Having seen how these challenges have affected Dad, I can only imagine the difference an ambulance would make to the people in Nepal who need urgent treatment and may otherwise not be able to make such a journey. Please consider if you can financially support this great cause.
Leprosy Mission New Zealand
If you haven't yet donated and would like to, you can do so here:
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/cycle-for-hope
Now is also a better time than any to send him an encouragement through his tracking link: https://transbalkanrace2026.maprogress.com/

A Local Effort. A Global Impact.

28/05/2026

Here is some more information on the ride Paul is starting on Friday.
Thank you, to everyone, who has donated so far. You can also follow Paul's progress on .

14/05/2026

Thinking of building. Pop in to our new office at 26 Raywood Crescent. We would love to help you achieve your dream home.

08/05/2026

Open home, Straight Up Construction is pleased to announce an open home on 38 Maunganamu Drive, Taupo.
Saturday and Sunday 12.00 to 1.30pm.
Or ring Paul 021378091

30/04/2026

Congratulations to Zac for Qualifying in Carpentry.
Proud Dad handing the Certificate to Zac.
Well done Zac and all the best with your travels!!!