Help for two young ’uns wanting to make go-kart

Tairāwhiti Menzshed supervisor James Aramoana was happy to revisit his childhood days, helping Jayden Piahana (left) and Te Ahi Kaa Edwards build a go-kart.Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

The thrills of go-karting have been revived for two Tolaga Bay Area School junior students.

The boys, Te Ahi Kaa Edwards, 9, and Jayden Piahana, 10, spent a morning at the Tairāwhiti Menzshed, along with their teacher aide.

The idea to build a go-kart from recycled materials came about when they were reading a book at school on New Zealand motorcycle champion designer the late John Britten, whose first project was a go-kart.

James Aramoana, supervisor of the Menzshed in Gisborne, was happy to offer help and guidance to build the go-kart.

Mr Aramoana has been with the Tairāwhiti Menzshed since its beginnings in 2012. He recalls building go-karts when he was a boy with his dad, and racing them down steep hills on farmland at the back of Wairoa. Watching his brother hit a rock and set sail, landing in an icy pond, was a highlight!

The Menzshed operates on a volunteer basis and offers a place to meet other people of all ages.

“Sharing your stories and comradeship is something that’s beneficial and needed today — to fight social isolation, the silent killer,” said James. “It’s all about coming together and it’s very community based.”

Building, mending and creating all take place inside, with a tearoom for a cuppa and a break. People are welcome to come down and make their own stuff, with help on offer if needed. Materials can often be sourced on site and using what they have makes it an affordable option.

Seeing the fulfilment on faces after a project has been completed is something James loves to see.

He wishes that more could be done for kids to learn “manual” skills — especially for students who aren’t so academically minded.

Plans to paint the go-kart red after its completion are in progress. Asked to comment, young Te Ahi said, “Yes, I would like to say, I may look like a normal kid but when I grow up I want to do something special to help the world!”

We hope you do too Te Ahi !