Before there were regular shuttle runs, volunteer rosters, booking systems and thousands of passenger journeys each year, there was simply a need within the North Waikato community—and a small group of determined people who decided something had to be done.
At the heart of that journey was Wayne.
Wayne is one of the founding members of the North Waikato Transport Trust and has played an important role in helping build the service into what it is today. From those very early days of establishing the first Health Shuttle, through to his years of continued involvement as a Trustee and Chairman, Wayne has always been someone willing to roll up his sleeves and get involved.
The story of the Health Shuttle began when Claire Molloy, Wayne’s long-time “partner in crime,” became aware of a gap in transport services for people in the North Waikato.
Claire discovered that while Health Shuttle services were being advertised, local people were not always able to access them. One woman attending a first aid course shared that she had been forced to pay for a taxi home from a medical appointment in Hamilton because she could not get a Health Shuttle.
It was clear there was a need.
Meetings were held, a committee was formed with representatives from Ngaruawahia and Te Kauwhata, and the group began looking at other Health Shuttle services operating successfully in their communities.
But having an idea was one thing. Finding a vehicle and getting the service on the road was another.
When a second-hand wheelchair-accessible vehicle became available, Wayne and Claire made the decision to purchase it themselves. It was a huge step and a real show of faith in what the new service could become. The Transport Trust later repaid them once funding became available.
That decision helped turn an idea into reality.
With the first vehicle secured, volunteers were recruited and trained as drivers and assistants, ready to operate the new Health Shuttle. Wayne also played an important role in establishing the systems needed to make the service work. With the assistance of St John programmer Garry Goodman, Wayne was able to come away with a workable booking system—an essential part of ensuring passengers could access the Shuttle and that the service could operate efficiently.
And Wayne’s contribution did not stop once the first Shuttle hit the road.
Over the years, he continued to be actively involved with the Trust. Wayne attended transport forums, keeping connected with the wider community transport sector and bringing that knowledge and experience back to the Trust.
He was also someone who genuinely took an interest in the day-to-day running of the service.
Wayne would regularly come into the office to check in, see how things were going and offer his support. He wasn’t the sort of Chairman who simply attended meetings and waited for the next report. He was a hands-on Chairman, someone who wanted to know what was happening and was always willing to be involved.
That hands-on approach is something that has made Wayne such a valuable asset to the North Waikato Transport Trust.
From helping purchase the very first wheelchair-accessible vehicle, to working on getting the booking system, attending transport forums and supporting the team behind the scenes, Wayne has remained committed to the service and the people it supports.
What began with a recognised need, a small group of determined people and one second-hand vehicle has grown into an essential community service.
Today, the North Waikato Transport Trust continues to support people who may otherwise struggle to get to important medical appointments and essential health services. Behind every journey is the work of many people—trustees, coordinators, volunteers, drivers, assistants and supporters—but it is important to remember those who helped lay the foundations.
Wayne is one of those people.
His contribution is not simply part of the Trust’s history. It is part of its legacy.
The service that exists today was built on the willingness of people like Wayne Thomson and Claire Malloy to see a problem, believe there could be a solution and then get stuck in to help make it happen.
For the North Waikato Transport Trust, Wayne has been far more than a founding member. He has been a hands-on leader, a supporter, a problem-solver and a familiar face who has continued to take an interest in the people and the service he helped establish.
Wayne helped get the wheels turning—and his contribution has helped create a legacy that continues to carry our community forward.
The North Waikato Transport Trust is proud to recognise and celebrate Wayne for his commitment, his leadership and the lasting contribution he has made to the Trust and the wider North Waikato community.
Could You Help Continue Wayne’s Legacy?
The North Waikato Transport Trust is always looking for new volunteers to help us continue providing this important service to our community.
If you could spare just one day a fortnight, we would love to hear from you. We are looking for both volunteer drivers and support people to assist passengers and help make their journey a safe and enjoyable one.
You don’t have to be an expert—just someone who enjoys helping people and wants to make a difference in their community.
If you think you could help, please contact the Friendship House office to find out more about becoming part of our wonderful volunteer team.
Help us keep the wheels turning and continue the legacy started by people like Wayne.
by Alicia Leef
