Impact Stories
Ode to the bike
Key Impact
10+
tonnes of waste removed from waterways
10K+
tamariki attended hubs programmes at schools
670+
tonnes of kai
rescued
125K+
people received
rescued kai
A young girl, KC (around 10 years old), visited Ecomatters Henderson Bike Hub with a caregiver to see if they could get some help with KC’s bike, which was not working.
Unfortunately, the bike was in very poor condition, and was in fact too small for KC to be able to ride properly.
Shane, the Bike Hub coordinator, suggested that KC would be better with a bigger bike, and showed her some of the low-cost, restored bikes that were for sale through the Bike Hub. KC was able to find a bike that was much better suited...and that she adored!!
“I have always been passionate about ‘kai gathering’ whether that be hunting, diving, growing kai, foraging or harvesting,”
In conversations with the caregiver, it became apparent to Shane, that they were not really in a position to purchase a bike...however it was clear to Shane that KC loved this bike...and indeed...LOVED to ride!!
Shane suggested to KC that perhaps rather than a financial exchange for the bike, that KC might be able to offer something else instead to Shane in return for the bike. They decided together that KC could write a poem for Shane about riding bikes. Shane ripped out a page from his notepad, and gave this to KC with a pencil to write with.
She sat down on the spot, and in a matter of what seemed like no time at all, was able to articulate the beautiful poem below. Shane was very impressed...and was very happy to provide KC with the bike she had chosen in exchange for the poem!
Thanks to all the love and time Leana has put into it, the community garden in front of her home is now flourishing. Beautiful big green leaves of lettuce, spinach and kale are ready for anyone picked and enjoy, and Leana recently planted beetroot, carrot and other seedlings which are now waiting to grow.