Help needed with bike storage

WAITOMO district schools are appealing for community help with the storage of two bike trailers.

The storage is costing the schools $5 a day plus GST – money that would be better spent on other things for young learners. That is according to the group of principals responsible, known as the Waitomo Arotahi Kahui Ako.

Group spokesperson Kevin Ikin, principal of Centennial Park School, said the goal was to find secure, covered storage protected from birds and pests.

The two trailers are 8m x2m each.

The bicycles on the trailers are an important resource to help keep local young people healthy and active. They are readily available for all local schools within the cluster – which means Waitomo district primary and secondary schools south of Ōtorohanga.

“Currently, the money is coming out of a focused learning activities budget, which would be much better utilised,” Kevin said.

“We would like to find a secure, safe storage place that is readily accessible – it could be in Piopio, it could be in Te Kūiti.

“We have even explored areas like the aerodrome and spoken to contractors and farmers, but we are mindful that we are storing open exposed bike trailers, which do not have covers.

“Schools can use the bikes for whatever they see fit; things like camps or road safety days.

“We want our kids to benefit from the bikes, so it’s easy for staff to use as required.

“Let’s see if there’s an opportunity somewhere – a large shed or a wool store. We don’t know what’s out there,” Kevin said.

“We can’t afford to keep paying the rent – that’s money the schools don’t really have to spend.”

The group of schools responsible for the trailers and bikes is the WAKA Waitomo Arotahi Kahui Ako.

Community members can contact Raewyn Jackson at Pukenui School.