Accessing healthcare can be challenging for many living up the Coast, where long distances and limited transport options make essential appointments difficult to reach. Thanks to a generous local group, a new endowment fund has been established with Sunrise to support the Hato Hone St John Waka Ora Health Shuttle, helping keep this vital lifeline running well into the future.
The shuttle provides donation-based (koha) transport for people attending medical or wellbeing appointments, picking them up and returning them afterwards.
Operated by trained volunteers, the service removes transport barriers for older adults, those without a vehicle, or anyone unable to get to appointments safely or independently.
The need for this service has long been recognised. When Te Araroa explored the idea of a shuttle, community members and St John identified many whānau who struggled to reach appointments due to distance, cost, or lack of transport. That work led to the Matakaoa (Te Araroa) shuttle being established, operated by local volunteers and supported by St John systems.
Today, two shuttles: Te Araroa and Tikitiki, serve the region, both grounded in strong community support and volunteerism. Tikitiki Team Leader Vencie Hartshorne, says manaakitanga (caring for people) sits at the heart of their work.
“People who use our shuttle give a koha (donation) if they can. It’s amazing how generous people are, often with little to give. I’m really excited about the new fund because it means long-term support for our shuttle, helping us keep this service going well into the future,” says Venice.
To read more about their fund, or to actively support it with a donation, click here.
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