Driving skills essential
I couldn’t believe the number of people that attended the Air Chathams community fly in at Kapiti airport on Sunday.
Officials were telling me they reckon numbers could have peaked at around 5000 which proves how important this strategic asset is to the Kapiti community.
There was a constant queue of people wanting to get a glimpse inside the Saab 34 seater that will connect us to Auckland.
Some even got to sit in the cockpit and be in awe of all those buttons.
Nearly 2000 seats have been sold on this commercial Auckland route which is a strong start for the inaugural flight on the 20th of August.
The DC3 charter flights were so popular that they all sold out prior to the community day. It is likely to fly return in the summer which is great to hear.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about Air Chathams strategy this week at the Chamber of Commerce lunch which should be another well attended event. This air link to Auckland is really important to business, but also offers tourist opportunities and of course connects us with family and friends.
Recently I helped launch the student driver training programme in Horowhenua Colleges.
Horowhenua Learning Centre and the principals of Waiopehu, Horowhenua and Manawatu¯ College have realised that driving skills provide massive opportunities for our youth, as a significant number of entry-level jobs in Horowhenua require a driver’s license.
Having young people legal and safe on our roads stops them from having to take unnecessary risks and entering the Justice system for driving-related offences. They will also be properly trained and be better drivers as a result of the program.
A pilot scheme was rolled out in Hawkes Bay in 2017 and all 20 of the students who participated gaining their learners, restricted and eventually full licenses, proving its success.
Currently the Horowhenua Learning Centre and the three colleges are sharing the costs of the instructor, vehicles, lessons and petrol, while students must cover the costs of licenses, which can add up to $338.20 for those gaining their full license.
Labour pitched this idea in the election campaign but this group of stakeholders decided they wouldn’t wait to see if any funding materialised and are delivering for our youth in Horowhenua. Well done to all involved.