Waka Aronui Impact Report Year Two
Participants of Waka Aronui, images provided by Manukau Urban Māori Authority, with programme partner logos
Waka Aronui is a pioneering social leasing scheme that aims to address the challenges faced by low-income whānau in accessing affordable, sustainable transport. The second impact report explores the programme's impact on participant wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and community development.
The challenge
Low-income whānau in Aotearoa New Zealand often face significant barriers to accessing reliable transportation. This lack of mobility can lead to financial hardship, social isolation, and limited employment opportunities. Additionally, the reliance on older, higher-emission vehicles contributes to environmental pollution and climate change.
“We value the ability to be a part of this initiative focussed on Tiaki Taiao, and transportation that does not further harm te Taiao.”
The solution
Recognising the urgent need for sustainable transport solutions, Ākina embarked on a partnership with Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA) to develop Waka Aronui. This social leasing scheme offers low-income whānau the opportunity to lease low-emission vehicles at affordable rates. With the invaluable support of Waka Kotahi, MBIE, and Auckland Council, the programme was initiated. Subsequently, Toyota, Russell McVeagh, and the Tindall Foundation joined as key partners, and in May 2022 Waka Aronui was launched.
Participants in the Waka Aronui programme receive comprehensive support, including financial counselling and driver education, to maximise the benefits of the initiative.
Programme impact
Waka Aronui has demonstrated a positive impact on participants' lives in several key areas:
Financial Wellbeing: By reducing transportation costs and improving employment prospects, the programme has helped participants achieve greater financial stability.
Mental Health: Access to reliable transportation has reduced stress and anxiety, leading to improved mental health outcomes for participants.
Community Connection: Waka Aronui has strengthened community connections by enabling participants to engage more actively in their local area.
Environmental Sustainability: The programme has contributed to reducing carbon emissions through the adoption of low-emission vehicles.
Key Findings
MUMA carried out surveys with programme participants to understand the impact (positive and negative) that being in the programme was having for them and their whānau. The surveys were an in-depth kōrero which allowed whānau to share their stories, and MUMA were able to facilitate these in a trusting and mana enhancing way.
Over 90% of participants reported increased financial stability as a result of the programme.
Participants experienced significant improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
The programme fostered a stronger sense of community among participants.
Participants expressed a keen interest in transitioning to electric vehicles in the future.
Conclusion
Waka Aronui continues to evolve with broader social, economic, and political changes in Aotearoa. The new government’s focus on social investment represents a huge growth opportunity for the programme, and Waka Aronui is a prime example of social investment principles in action: community-centered design, integrated outcomes measurement, and a collaborative financial partnership spanning both the private and public sectors.
Looking forward, we enter the final year of the programme with full confidence that the pilot is creating the impact we had believe it would when we set out on a co-design journey in 2019. Further growth options for social car leasing in Aotearoa are being explored by Ākina through support from the BNZ Foundation, and we are excited to see how the learnings gained through the Waka Aronui pilot can support potential growth and greater impact for other communities in Aotearoa.