New bus service - use it or lose it

MAGIC MOMENT: The inaugural passengers on the new bus service between the Hokianga and Kaikohe were welcomed at their destination by locals and district council staff.

Hokianga residents are being urged to make use of a new bus service to Kaikohe, to make sure it survives beyond a 15-week trial.

The minibus made its inaugural trip from Omapere on Tuesday, with locals and district council staff providing a noisy welcome to Kaikohe for the first passengers.

The bus will leave Omapere for Kaikohe at 9.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, picking up passengers along the way, and detouring to Rawene to connect with the ferry if required, before starting its return trip at 1.30pm.

It is at least 10 years since Hokianga had any form of public transport.

Among the first passengers was 86-year-old Betty Pennell, from Omapere, who used to travel to Kaikohe twice a week until a stroke stopped her driving. Tuesday was the first time in two years she had been able to get to town independently.

"This has given me my independence back. We have no supermarket, no bank, no taxis, and until now, no buses. This will be great, especially for the elderly," she said.

The new service has been driven by the Opononi-Omapere Ratepayers' Association, with $15,000 in funding from the Northland Regional Council, enough to keep it going for a 15-week trial.

Regional councillor Joe Carr said it was important that Hokianga residents made use of the service. If passenger numbers were still good by May-June, when councillors were due to consider their next annual plan, the case for on-going funding would be strengthened.

The service is provided by Hokianga Express under contract to the regional council. Fares are $20 return or $15 one way. The route will be reviewed monthly, and may be adjusted to meet demand.

The first passengers were treated to morning tea on their arrival at Kaikohe's Memorial Hall. In future the drop-off point will be on Mangakahia Road.