Aroha always, safety first.
With its vibrant yellow and purple colours and upbeat karaoke jams, the 'Happy Tuk-tuk' at Ōtara Town Centre is spreading happiness and safety, helping to create a more inviting town centre.
Owned by local advocate Swanie Nelson and run by the rangatahi of Ōtara, it’s operated by The Community Builders NZ Trust and funded by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
The Tuk-tuk was created to address safety concerns raised by the local board, and its free rides have quickly become a favourite, especially among senior residents.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “The board is proud to fund this awesome initiative that is all about improving safety in a fun, unique, and meaningful way.
“In the past our community partners have supported seniors who felt uneasy about using ATMs, helping and escorting them. With the Happy Tuk-tuk, we can now help keep them safe whether they make a trip to the ATM or need help getting back to their cars or around town. It's not just for seniors—families, young people, and even our deputy chair, Vi Hausia, have hopped on! More than just transport, it's about making everyone feel special. A free ride around the town centre is a treat for many, and the Tuk-tuk creates a sense of belonging."
Deputy chair Vi Hausia (back right) catches a ride on the free happy Tuk-tuk from the Ōtara pool and leisure centre. Image: The Community Builders NZ Trust.
Terangi Parima, CEO of The Community Builders NZ Trust, shares that the Tuk-tuk’s mission is all about spreading joy and positivity.
“The Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board wanted safety activations, and we aimed to be innovative and creative. The kaupapa is simple—bring happiness into the town centre, creating safety, positivity, and more foot traffic.
“A lively, welcoming town centre fosters a sense of community and wellbeing, making people feel safer and more comfortable,” says Parima.
A trip around the town centre. Image: The Community NZ Builders Trust
Rather than taking the typical approach of putting up signs to discourage drinking or antisocial behaviour, the focus shifted to asking, 'How can the story they want to tell be brought into the town centre?’
Ronald Betham, one of the Ōtara Tuk-tuk bike riders, says, “We wanted the Tuk-tuk to give the elderly a chance to get around, sing, and maybe even do their shopping,” he says.
On the first day, 15 people asked for a ride, some using mobility walkers, and the team helped them with their shopping. During a recent shift, the Tuk-tuk saw a record 38 passengers, and the karaoke feature is a big hit.
“It’s a good vibe, we always greet everyone and sometimes even take them through the McDonald's drive-thru for ice cream,” says Betham.
All smiles featuring a local NZ Māori warden. Image: The Community Builders NZ Trust.
Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli has taken a ride on the Ōtara Tuk-tuk and enjoyed the service.
“It’s an innovative service for our community. My mum’s 78 and sometimes needs help with her shopping, and the Tuk-tuk provides that in a fun, entertaining way. Our people love karaoke and think they’re all country stars. It’s a cool, free service that everyone enjoys,” says Fuli.
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.
Aroha first, safety always. Image: The Community Builders NZ Trust.
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