Micromobility is the new way to deliver prescriptions and small orders of groceries around Richmond as Aramoana Whetu loads up her bicycle for a new venture.
She has just moved her caravan into a holiday park and is aiming at a part-time business as a bicycle courier which fits with her environmental sustainability goals and enables her to do something she enjoys.
Born in Russia to Ukrainian parents, she was born Olga but has adopted a Māori name to reflect her connection to her new country. Prompted by a dream to see more of the country, she quit her job and packed up her apartment within three days to head off around the South Island and that has led her to Richmond.
“I decided to follow the signs the universe gave me.”
In Wellington, there is Nocar Cargo which is a bicycle courier company driven by social and environmental sustainability and Aramoana hopes to connect with the company in the future. Right now, she is starting small to see if there is demand for a bicycle courier around Richmond.
Just five days after arriving in town, she had delivered a few parcels, mostly to older members of the community who no longer drive. She will deliver up to 10km from the town centre and says it’s a good place to cycle, with plenty of places to get off the road. Even on the road, she says Richmond drivers take more care around cyclists than some places she has cycled.
“Cycling is something that makes me feel really good. I feel like I’m an eight-year-old again! For at least a few hours a day, I want to do something I enjoy.”
Alongside her bicycle courier venture, she is studying online with the aim of one day running a mobile nutritional consulting business – visiting clients on her bicycle.
