The new Health Shuttle unveiled last Saturday in Kaikohe. Photo / St John
The problems of Far North residents who struggle to travel to healthcare appointments have been eased with St John's unveiling of a new Health Shuttle.
Kohewhata Marae in Kaikohe hosted a ceremony to commission the new wheelchair-friendly, five-seater vehicle for service last Saturday.
People of all ages living in and
around can grab a return ride from their homes to appointments in Whangārei, Bay of Islands, Kaitaia and Rawene for a koha (donation) or for free if people cannot afford it.
The service originally kicked off in 2019 in Kaikohe with a station wagon – used to transport around 30 clients a month – has expanded to people in Kerikeri, Kawakawa, Hokianga and Paihia.
St John community transport manager Stephen Robinson said last year the service shuttled people to more than 75,000 health appointments they wouldn't have been able to travel to themselves.
