It was a warm, sunny, January morning when nine mobility scooter riders gathered in Rangitāne Square, High Street, Dannevirke for the first of what has now become a monthly meeting. It was a fabulous morning and spirits were high with the excitement of getting this club moving, or riding.
Local kaumātua (elder) Trevor Bennett had the idea of a support group and regular gatherings for scooter riders and with the support of kaiwhakapuaki waiora - health coach Megan Ellmers with Te Kete Hauora o Rangitāne - the first Scooter Club was formed. Trevor has many great ideas, including the suggestion of an obstacle course for scooter riders. “We are passionate about getting people together, getting out and about and having a wild ride doing so.”
Invited to attend the inaugural meeting was local police officer Beau Hanson. His kōrero was around the rules and regulations for mobility scooters was a popular one and he answered questions from the captivated audience. One topic discussed was the need to raise awareness within the community around mobility scooters and their riders.
Rangitāne Square is a great space for the club to meet as there is plenty of room for the scooters as well as local businesses including the Kōwhai & Kauri Food Truck, Fortynine30 Barbershop and the Manawanui Wellness space.
At the February meeting, the group discussed what they’d like to do as a group for the upcoming monthly gatherings held at Rangitāne Square on the second Thursday of each month. Here are some of the plans for the upcoming monthly meetings:
