Sealink Vouchers Help Waiheke Young People

Young people on Waiheke are receiving some very timely assistance from SeaLink in gaining their driving licences with a very innovative voucher scheme, in collaboration with the local Police. A time limit on new learner and restricted licences will be in force from December 1st this year, which will hit young people on Waiheke particularly hard because they can’t take practical driving tests on the island, and the cost of going to the mainland is prohibitive. Practical driving tests on Waiheke were cut by the New Zealand Transport Agency four years ago.

However, help is now at hand, from police, SeaLink and the New Hope Op Shop. Young people can now take proof that they have booked a ttest for a restricted licence on the mainland and pay a bond of $115 to the police. In return they will receive a voucher to book a car and two people on SeaLink. Once they have passed their driving test on the mainland, they can show this to the local police who will refund the bond money. This scheme is being administered by police and funded by SeaLink, with vouchers now available at the police station opposite the library in Sea View Road in Oneroa. It currently applies only to restricted licence tests and is intended to primarily help people suffering financial hardship. Waiheke Islanders have long depended on the SeaLink service to and from the island and this is just one more service provided by the SeaLink team.

SeaLink have also recently taken over the Pine Harbour run, with ferries commuting between the Pine Harbour Marina to downtown Auckland fifteen times a day, Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays. Their modern, high-speed catamarans can transport between 49 - 99 passengers at a time, either in the relaxing comfort of the inside cabin or on the open deck, for an exhilarating ride and travel time between Pine Harbour Marina to downtown Auckland takes just 35 minutes. Pine Harbour Marina has free parking and a 24 hour hi-tech security service is in place, including regular patrols by security staff. There are shower and toilet facilities at the marina and a shuttle bus can be booked to provide transport from Pine Harbour Marina to Botany, East Tamaki and Manukau. People can receive text message alerts for cancellations or changes to ferry sailings by emailing their cell phone number to marketingteam@sealink.co.nz .

SeaLink’s services to Great Barrier Island, Waiheke Island and Pine Harbour Marina run all year round, providing a unique facility for residents and visitors alike. For further information go to http://www.sealink.co.nz .