Growing drivers locally

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Wairoa and Nūhaka people can now take their full driver licence test through the town’s new community-led driver licensing programme provided by Tairāwhiti REAP.

The Growing Drivers Locally (GDL) programme has been successfully running in rural Gisborne and the East Coast for a number of years.

The programme, which helps people gain a restricted or full Class 1 licence, was open to students of any age living in rural Tairāwhiti and now includes Wairoa and surrounding communities.

The GDL2Wairoa programme was launched officially this week at Tairāwhiti REAP’s new Wairoa office.

Tairāwhiti REAP manager Ani Pahuru-Huriwai said they were pleased to bring the kaupapa to Wairoa and surrounding communities, particularly after Cyclone Gabrielle left such a lasting impact on families.

“Being able to gain their driver licences locally here in Wairoa, fully subsidised through our GDL programme, will be a game-changer for many.”

To provide greater flexibility for students on the GDL2Wairoa programme, Wairoa local Cheryl Te Amo has been contracted to provide dedicated practical licence testing for Tairāwhiti REAP students. She is being supported by Mere Mill, a fellow community driver testing officer in Gisborne/East Coast.

They will be two of 16 community driver testing officers in New Zealand, a new role introduced last year by Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency.

“Cheryl has already started testing as more than 70 people are booked to sit the test through the GDL programme,” Ms Pahuru-Huriwai said.

Vehicle Testing NZ provides practical driver testing for the general public and has been operating in Wairoa since December 2022 when a test route was re-established in the town.

Waka Kotahi director of regional relationships Linda Stewart said a driver’s licence opened the door to opportunities like jobs, training and more.

“We know some people face barriers in getting their licence, whether that’s because of the cost or the availability of driver testing services close by.

“Providing the new community driver testing officer model for Wairoa is another way Waka Kotahi can support improved access to driver licensing services.”