Driving force taking a back seat

Golden Bay salutes Wrinklies Express founder and volunteer Henk Visker, who is standing down this year after 25 years of service to the community.

In 1999, Henk, along with five others, founded the service (more formally known as the Golden Bay Community Service Vehicle Trust). Wrinklies Express transports Golden Bay residents who are disabled or over 50 to their medical appointments, as far as away Nelson. The service operates two vehicles and has 18 volunteer drivers and schedulers. It runs daily, as necessary, and is well utilised by its 200-plus members.

Henk tells The GB Weekly that around 1997/8 he was approached by a small group of people (Michael Stayner, Heather Hovenden, Mary Baigent, and N Robertson). They raised funds together through soup kitchens in the Motupipi Hall. Their intention was to do something for the elderly people of Tākaka in the form of transport to medical appointments in Nelson, and they wanted him to be their treasurer. Henk thought it was a great idea since there was no regular public transport available.

In 1999, then-local solicitor Susan Yorke had all the legal documents drawn up, and so the Golden Bay Community Service Vehicle Trust was formed, with Henk as treasurer. After a few teething problems, the trust was running like clock-work. Sponsors were found, and a large grant from Lotto NZ secured. Their first 12-seater van was promptly called “Wrinklies Express” by Bert Wagenvoort. The name stuck.

A pool of volunteer drivers was formed and trips over the Hill were made available to the members of the Wrinklies Express.

The 12-seater proved far too big and was soon replaced by cars (that must comply with rules and regulations to accommodate the use for elderly people). Henk worked as a driver and he also took on the job of booking officer, which then passed onto his wife.

The service is not-for-profit, and as Wrinklies secretary Jason Jackson points out, is “only possible due to the ever-generous donations we receive from local organisations, along with all the voluntary booking staff, drivers, and trustees… Where else can you get a door-to-door return trip to Nelson for a $30 donation?”

In 2016, Henk was acknowledged with a Kiwibank Local Hero Award for his years of dedicated service. At the time, he pointed out the challenges of providing the service, for example long hospital appointment wait times (hours), and elderly passengers getting lost and wandering off whilst shopping. He expressed his gratitude to the other drivers: “They do all the hard work.”

Speaking on behalf of the Wrinklies team, Jason characterises Henk as “one of the kindest guys I have ever met. He has got a good heart and he has dedicated the last 25 years to helping other people getting around”.

Unfortunately, poor eyesight and ill health put a halt to all Henk’s activities for the Wrinklies Express, so after 25 years he has passed his beloved job on to other people.

Please note that the Wrinklies Express AGM is coming up on Thursday 18 May at the Tākaka Bowling Club. If you would like to become a member or have time to volunteer as a driver, email wrinkliesexpress@gmail.com.