Tuk-tuk Brightens Up Ōtara With Free Rides, Karaoke And Lollies

Thursday, 30 January 2025, 9:49 pm
Article: Mary Afemata - Local Democracy Reporter

A new tuk-tuk bike offering free rides and karaoke in Ōtara is proving popular with the community, especially the older residents.

Terangi Parima, CEO of The Community Builders NZ Trust, says the tuk-tuk’s mission is about spreading happiness.

“The kaupapa behind it is to literally bring happiness into the town centre, and, as a result, create a sense of safety,” she said.

“The positive atmosphere will encourage more people to visit.

“When the town centre feels lively and welcoming, it fosters a sense of community and wellbeing, making people feel safer and more comfortable."

The idea behind the tuk-tuk came from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s request to address safety concerns in the town centre.

“They asked if we could do some safety activations, and for us, we always like to think outside the box to be innovative and creative."

The tuk-tuk is owned by local advocate Swanie Nelson and operated by The Community Builders NZ Trust, with support from rangatahi volunteers and sponsorship from the local board.

“All we’ve really done is put some signage on it, added a speaker and some lights, and threw in a bag of cheap lollies," Parima says.

"It’s a unique activation for Ōtara. Nobody else has access to these bikes, and we’re lucky to have local resources like Swanie, who’s happy for us to use it," she says.

"We never wanted to take the typical route - putting up signage saying no drinking or discouraging antisocial behaviour.

"Instead, we asked, how do we bring the story we want into the town centre?”

Local democracy reporting took a ride in the tuk-tuk with Ronald Betham, cruising through McDonald's drive-thru, grabbing Ōtara’s best lamb buns, and touring the town centre.

Betham, supervisor of the Ōtara tuk-tuk bike, says the service was designed to provide elderly community members with an easy way to get around.

"[We wanted] the Tuk-tuk bike to give the elderly an opportunity to go around, sing, and maybe even get their shopping done - saving them from walking."

On the first day, "a good 15 people" came and asked for a ride.

"They were on mobility walkers, so we helped them on and gave them a ride around, even doing their shopping."

On one recent shift, a record 38 people rode the tuk-tuk.

The karaoke feature also draws attention.

"It's just a good vibe ... we always say 'good morning' to everyone. Morning, ladies! Sometimes, we even take them through the McDonald's drive-thru for ice cream."

Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli has taken a ride on the Otara tuk-tuk bike ride and enjoyed the service.

“It's an innovative way of providing a service for our community.

“It's been helpful for people who need assistance to carry their shopping.

“My mum's 78 and she needs help getting her shopping to the car, and I'm not always there to do it. So the Tuk-tuk provide that service but in such an entertaining and innovative way.

“It's so cool, and our people love karaoke. Our people love to sing, they all think they're all country stars, you know. So it's just a really cool way of providing an awesome service for our community and totally free.”

Talia, 17, volunteers her time for the tuk-tuk bike service.

"I think just to help the community and bring a little bit of joy to the hood. It's nice in that way. Even if we can just put like a smile on someone's face for the day."

The oldest passenger so far has been 92.

The tuk-tuk bike operates Monday to Saturday, from 10am to midday, with a half-hour break, and resumes from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, running through until March.

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