Fulton Hogan’s Auckland Region is donating a new Nissan Navara Ute to an organisation that helps young people navigate their way through the driver licensing system.
Behind the Wheel was set up in Māngere a year ago because its founders were concerned at how many young people were featuring in crashes as well as driving without licences. ACC, the New Zealand Transport Agency and Auckland Transport support their work and provide funding.
Fulton Hogan’s Auckland Regional Manager, Matthew MacMahon says when the business learned it had won a $62,000 vehicle through a promotion run by Bunnings it looked around for a worthy cause.
“We’re concerned that young people in our community are not receiving the right training so that they can drive safely and defensively. Behind the Wheel is equipping them with the skills for legal driving and this is a chance to get behind them.”
One of Behind the Wheel’s managers, Pikura Purotu says it’s an unbelievable gesture and the vehicle will be put to great use. “We’ve been approaching possible sponsors for months without any success so not in my wildest dreams did I think we would end up with a new vehicle.”
She says hundreds of young drivers have gained their licences since the programme started a year ago. It’s available in several suburbs in South Auckland so that applicants can attend workshops and then start their driving lessons with licensed instructors who accompany them through the process until they get their full licence.
Ms Purotu says safety is not the only consideration for being a qualified driver – it can help with employment. Mr MacMahon agrees, saying that Auckland is suffering from a shortage of professional drivers. “Behind the Wheel’s work will assist businesses like ours find better qualified candidates.”
When Bunnings presented the ute to Fulton Hogan, Behind the Wheel representatives were also on hand to get their first look at it before taking over the ownership in a week.
Above Matthew MacMahon takes delivery of a new Nissan from Des Bickerton, NZ Commercial Manager, Bunnings.
