Te Henga Community Hub Liftshare Scheme
A Community-Led Response
to Transport Inequity and Climate Action
In the remote coastal community of Te Henga/Bethells, where public transport options are non-existent and distances make walking or cycling impractical, a homegrown solution is taking shape. The Te Henga Community Hub Liftshare Scheme is a grassroots initiative designed by the community, for the community — with a vision to reduce emissions, improve access, and strengthen local connections.
This kaupapa has been guided by the principle that wellbeing, community, and sustainability are intrinsically linked — and that small, collective actions can drive long-term, systemic change.
Responding to a Local Challenge with Local Leadership
For many in Te Henga/Bethells, the private car has long been the only transport option — but that reliance comes at a cost: financially, environmentally, and socially. In particular, rangatahi (young people) often experience limited independence, and the lack of access to vital services compounds rural isolation.
The Liftshare Scheme grew out of a broader community-led vision developed by the Te Henga Community Hub. It offers an alternative: a way for neighbours to coordinate shared rides, reduce single-occupancy trips, and foster stronger relationships through everyday interactions.
Rather than being led by a single organisation or individual, this initiative has emerged through whanaungatanga — the deep connections and shared responsibility that come from living and working together. With over 25 locals already involved, the scheme is a living example of what’s possible when community leadership is enabled and resourced.
Building a Scalable Model for Other Communities
While the scheme is still growing, its aspirations are big. It is designed not only to meet the immediate needs of Te Henga/Bethells, but also to provide a model for other rural communities across Aotearoa who face similar transport challenges.
To support its growth and long-term sustainability, the community is exploring several developments:
A dedicated rideshare platform that allows real-time coordination, with scalability in mind.
Ongoing community engagement events to increase comfort and participation in car sharing.
Transport solutions for rangatahi, supporting safe and equitable access.
Research into a potential community minibus service, for both people and goods.
Support for a Community Hub coordinator to activate and sustain local programmes.
Regular kai and produce swaps, reducing food waste and encouraging local exchange.
Funding support will be required to grow the scheme, and there has been encouraging feedback from Auckland Council’s Climate Action team and the Waitākere Ranges Local Board — this has reaffirmed that waka kotahi (shared journeys) like this are essential to climate resilience and community wellbeing.
Reflections and Learnings: He Tangata
One of the clearest learnings from this kaupapa is captured in a well-known whakataukī:
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
The strength of this initiative lies in the people of Te Henga/Bethells — their creativity, their commitment, and their willingness to act. As Simon Vincent, Community Waitākere’s Climate Action Community Developer, puts it, “The vast amount of work and involvement has come from the community themselves — I am just a supporter and advisor where I can be.”
This is a story of mana motuhake — of local people creating local solutions, grounded in lived experience and collective wisdom.
Get Involved: Help Drive the Future of Community Transport
The Te Henga Community Hub Liftshare Scheme is always open to new members, supporters, and ideas. Whether you’re based in the area and want to share rides, or you’re from another community looking to learn and adapt the model, there’s a place for you in this movement.
As the scheme continues to evolve, so too do the opportunities — not just for reducing emissions or easing transport stress, but for building a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.
To learn more or express interest in supporting the project, please contact [insert contact details or website link here].
Want to get involved?
Get in touch with Bethells Beach Community Hub!