Māngere students ‘happy as’ with generous bike donation from Ride Holidays

Māngere College staff and senior leadership (left) with Triple Teez crew (right) and sponsor Martyn Reesby (white shorts) and Karl Woolcott from Ride Holidays (centre right).

A donation of 30 brand-new mountain bikes from Ride Holidays is set to make a lasting impact at Māngere College, opening the door for more students to experience the freedom and confidence that comes with cycling.

The bikes are helping bring to life a three-year initiative led by Sport New Zealand, delivered in partnership with Auckland Transport and Triple Teez/Māngere BikeFIT. Māngere College is one of 60 schools nationwide funded to create more opportunities for students to be active.

As part of the nationwide programme, Māngere College is one of 60 schools funded to improve opportunities for students to be more active. Active As Coordinator Caitlin Manase has spent the past three years building new pathways for young people to participate in physical activity, guided by annual student surveys that capture what the school community wants and needs.

A chance meeting at 275 Day between Manase, AT Transport’s Jay Fa’ata and Sam Kemp sparked the idea of a cycling programme that could outlast the initiative itself. 

“I needed something sustainable,” says Manase. “Something our school could continue long after my role ends.”

Bikes donated by Ride Holidays.

With support from the PE Department, cycling was woven into the Year 10 PE curriculum. AT Transport connected the school with Triple Teez/Māngere BikeFIT, whose operations manager, Sokko, tailored a multi-week programme teaching bike mechanics, road rules, safety and practical riding skills.

The impact was immediate - helped by an extraordinary donation of 30 brand-new mountain bikes by Karl Woolcott and the team from Ride Holidays, plus the entire BikeFIT programme delivered at no cost to the school.

Matua Maehe from Māngere College blessing the 30 bikes gifted by Ride Holidays.

Triple Teez founder’s Mr Tee says the excitement of seeing the new bikes was unforgettable. 

“They were shocked, overwhelmed, happy as - just wanting to jump on and ride.”

As the programme continues, the goal is bigger than biking. It’s about independence, safety, active transport, and setting a new standard for youth in Māngere.

“We’re so grateful,” says Manase. “This partnership is helping our students see what’s possible.”

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