Community help and service is everything in Patea say two friends.
Susanne Taylor and Chrissie Windle know the importance of neighbourly help and people willing to lend a hand.
Which is why between them they have set up the Patea Transport Service this week.
"It's a taxi service. I'm the driver and Chrissie is the manager," Susanne said.
Originally from South Africa, Susanne came to New Zealand as a single mum with a small daughter.
"I really got over Auckland and needed to live in a more rural setting. Unfortunately my daughter who is now 21, completely disagreed and has stayed in Auckland.''
After buying a modest house, Susanne said she had some money left over to invest in a business but wasn't sure exactly what.
Her friend Chrissie came up the idea of a local taxi service because transport is such a problem on Patea for the elderly. Many need to go to Hawera for medical appointments, the supermarket and maybe just a day out.
"The bus service is nothing. There's one in the morning that comes back later and that's not everyday.''
And if anyone understands what it's feels like to need help it is Chrissie, Susanne said.
"She never says so. But she is an amazing person. She doesn't work because she only has one leg and has to live on a benefit which she hates.
"She runs Coastguard radio here and helps out in the community all the time especially with the old folk.''
This week the new taxi van will cruise on its "maiden voyage''.
"It's taken a few months to get all the required licences but I'm sure it will be worth it. I am hoping we will get regulars booking us."
Susanne's other love is singing.
"I am a country singer and I love to pack up my keyboards and go and play and sing my heart out to people."
Taxi passengers could get lucky because Susanne may serenade them along the way.
"Without the keyboard, obviously,'' Chrissie laughed.