Cruising 35 to spread anti-meth messages

RIDERS AGAINST METH: From left, James Aston-Nielsen, Jama Kemp, NZ ‘P' Pull regional manager Tuta Ngarimu, Regan Kaa, Mark Tutauha-Gray and Hope Jones are all working to reduce the impacts of meth in their communities. Picture by Paul Rickard

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be bringing the noise about the impacts of methamphetamine to the East Coast next month.

NZ ‘P' Pull regional manager Tuta Ngarimu has organised a ride that will spread awareness about the impacts of ‘P (meth) to towns along State Highway 35.

NZ ‘P' Pull is a national organisation working to reduce the impact of meth.

“It's about getting the people in rural and isolated areas of the East Coast aware of what meth addiction can cause and the support available and what there is to help them,” Tuta said.

Gisborne had a hearty bike community so he thought a motorcycle run would be a good way to get people's attention and hear what they have to say.

At each stop, guest speakers will share their journeys through meth addiction.

“East Coast has a high meth usage so it's about getting out there and showing people what is available to help change.”

Registrations open at 8.30am at Kaiti Hub on Saturday, March 18.

It is $15 to register and at the end of the ride, each person will get a hāngi meal.

If the need arises, a cancellation call will be made the evening before.

A karakia will be performed at 10am before the crew sets off.

The first stop will be at Uawa/Tolaga Bay outside the fire station for an hour.

The contingent will then head to Tokomaru Akau (bay) where a tent will be set up outside the fire station for lunch sponsored by Ngāti Porou Hauora.

The riders move on to Ruatoria and will set up outside Radio Ngāti Porou.

The hīkoi ends with a hāngi at Hinerupe Marae in Te Araroa.

Tuta is proud to have the Freedom Riders Gisborne bike community as part of this kaupapa.

“As far as biking communities go in Tairāwhiti, they are the original bike crew here and will be leading the ride through from Kaiti Hub to Tokomaru Bay.”

He was hoping the Highway 35 Motorcycle Club would join in from Tokomaru Bay but they are having a fundraiser event the same day.

The 35s will be donating some of the funds raised to the anti-meth ride.

The ride is an alcohol-and-drug-free event sponsored by NZ ‘P' Pull.