There is also unaunahi (fish scale pattern) in sets of three which represents a healthy pulse, wellbeing and safety for the community.
Hato Hone St John Tikitiki Health Shuttle team leader Vencie Hartshorne said there was “a desperate need” for this service in Te Araroa.
Ms Hartshorne helped launch a shuttle in Tikitiki a couple of years ago and following that she contacted Hato Hone St John and organised a hui with managers in Te Araroa.
She also set up a community hui to get a message out to the people that they needed volunteers to be able to run the shuttle. Twelve people signed up to become volunteers.
The name of the waka — Matakaoa — was decided upon by the community as the areas it services had always been Matakaoa, Ms Hartshorne said.
“We wanted something that would relate to all those who live here or have moved away
. . . seeing Matakaoa can make them think about their people,” she said.
The shuttle was “huge” when it came to getting the people of Matakaoa to appointments . . . “not just our pakeke but for people who need transport, such as mothers with pēpi. The volunteers can drive while mum looks after baby. How wonderful.”
Leigh Herewini, Hato Hone St John’s community transport manager for the Central Region which includes Te Araroa, said it was a great addition following recent experiences.
“The devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle is still present in this region, so anything we can do to enhance the wellbeing of our communities is greatly appreciated.
“I want to say a big thank you to our hard-working volunteers who will be keeping our Matakaoa Waka Ora Health Shuttle service running, and to our Tikitiki-based volunteers who will be working closely with them.”
Hato Hone St John national community transport manager Julie Taverner outlined the benefits of the service.
“Our shuttles and volunteers play a vital role in facilitating access to vital health appointments, ensuring that whānau can attend.
“By doing so, we contribute to enhancing health outcomes and fostering independence.”
The shuttle service was also a source of social connection and support.
“For many, our shuttles are a trusted service they can consistently rely on when in need.
“As a proud New Zealander hailing from a small rural area, I find immense joy in being part of this journey. Like many of my fellow Kiwis from my generation, my early exposure to our rich Māori culture involved witnessing the powerful haka at the onset of rugby games with my late father.
“Now, as the mother of a son with Māori heritage, it fills me with pride to be part of a change and ultimately making a positive impact on the lives of many New Zealanders.
“Our new concept livery stands as a powerful symbol of Hato Hone St John’s commitment, encapsulating the uniqueness that makes us Kiwis and reflecting our collective dedication to a more inclusive and equitable future.”
The vehicle includes a donor decal acknowledging the generosity of Greenlea Foundation which gifted the shuttle.
• To book a place on the shuttle or to learn more about the service, contact Hato Hone St John on 0800-785-646.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
