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 is non-existent and distances make walking or cycling impractical, a homegrown solution is driving real change. 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 lead to lasting, systemic change.
Responding to a Local Challenge with Local Leadership
For residents of Te Henga/Bethells, the private car has long been the only viable transport option — but that reliance comes at a cost: financially, environmentally, and socially. Rangatahi (young people) often face 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. With 45 members now involved and 387km of shared travel logged, the initiative has already saved around 70kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.
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. As Simon Vincent, Community Waitākere’s Climate Action Developer, reflects:
“The vast amount of work and involvement has come from the community themselves – I am just a supporter and advisor where I can be.”
Big Ambitions, Organic Growth
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. Now, though, they’re focused on organic growth in participation for the scheme. The WhatsApp-based system is intentionally simple and accessible, creating a space where trust and everyday connection come first.
The energy is building around the Kaupapa, and community members have been sharing their enthusiasm:
“What an incredible idea!”
“So great to have this idea off the ground and working!”
“Great to be a member. Great to know I can put a message out for shared rides.”
“Love that this initiative is thriving.”
Sharing the Journey
To support its growth and long-term sustainability, the community is exploring several developments:
A rideshare platform that allows real-time coordination.
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 people and goods.
Support for a Community Hub coordinator.
Regular kai and produce swaps to reduce waste and build local resilience.
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.
This is a story of mana motuhake — of local people creating local solutions, grounded in lived experience and collective wisdom.
NB: Images have been taken from Google Maps and are linked to originals.
Get Involved: Help Drive the Future of Community Transport
If you’re a Te Henga/Bethells resident, you’re warmly invited to join the Liftshare Scheme. Whether you’re offering a seat or need one, your participation strengthens the whole community.
To join or learn more, check them out on Facebook or flick them an email below:
