New transport initiative connects Mokai to Taupō
Members of the Mokai community with Noel Rodgers, Ray Toms and John Williamson of Lake Taupō Rotary and Taupō District Council’s senior community development advisor Gillian Smith.
People living at Mokai can now get to services in Taupō more easily, thanks to a new free transport service.
Taupō District Council’s community development team and Lake Taupō Rotary have teamed up on an arrangement to connect the rural community 30km northwest of Taupō with essential services in Taupō.
The service will use Rotary’s community van to transport people from Mokai to Taupō with the aim of improving transport access, particularly for older residents who may no longer drive or have limited options. People can use the service to get to medical appointments, pharmacies, supermarkets, banking or shopping, and an added bonus is that it will also support wellbeing and reduce isolation by providing opportunities for social connection.
The 10-seater Rotary community van made its first trip on last Tuesday 20 October, with pick-ups from Mokai Marae and Forest Rd property gateways.
The service will initially run as a trial for two or three weeks. Feedback from passengers and Rotary volunteers will help assess how well it meets local needs and whether it is practical and sustainable for the long term.
While it is free of charge, passengers can make a koha if they wish, but the service is open to everyone, regardless of ability to donate.
Taupō District Council senior community development advisor Gillian Smith says the transport service is a wonderful example of community organisations working with Mokai residents to develop a practical, locally-driven solution which aims to improve independence and social connection.
She says thanks is due to ‘Auntie’ Timu and the Mokai community, as well as Lake Taupō Rotary and the Lake Taupō Charitable Trust for their generosity, collaboration and commitment to supporting Mokai residents.
