A gift of bike lessons and bus rides

Every child at Tāmaki Primary School in Panmure has the chance to learn to ride a bike, thanks to a $25K donation from Mike Greer Homes as part of their contribution to the Tāmaki regeneration programme.

School Principal Rhonda Kelly says some of the children hadn’t had any experience with bikes, and for those who do have their own bikes at home, the programme is great for building confidence.

“One of the main reasons for the programme,” says Rhonda, “is that parents worry about safety. Learning on a track in a controlled situation is good for confidence. Some of the little ones – within six months they’re riding.”

The donation also supports the kapa haka group, by easing the burden of fundraising to pay for transport to festivals and competitions. 

The donation is part of the Tāmaki Contribution scheme, in which Tāmaki Regeneration Company (TRC) and Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities, the master developer for Tāmaki, encourage partners and suppliers to give back to the Tāmaki community in any way they can. This can be through donations, offering internships to locals, or just offering their expertise for free.

“It’s great to see Mike Greer Homes contribute to Tāmaki Primary School in such a meaningful way,” says TRC CEO John Holyoake. “They’re helping the school with what they really need.”

Mike Greer Homes have built around 90 of the approximately 600 new homes that have already been completed in Tāmaki. Throughout the construction process, they’ve also provided broader education, training and employment opportunities to local high school leavers.