Vintage-inspired e-bike manufacturer Vallkree and Tūhoe activist and artist Tāme Iti have collaborated on a unique e-bike that is being auctioned to help fund a planned Whakaari Memorial in Whakatāne.

Vallkree NZ has donated one of its popular Moon Dog e-bikes for the auction, which Iti has custom-painted in his signature style.

Vallkree founder Dan Wallace said they were always looking for ways to give back to the community and this was something they could do to support the kaupapa and the community.

“This cause is so meaningful; hopefully we can raise a lot of money for the memorial,” he said.

Mr Wallace said Iti had long been an advocate for e-bikes and was happy to provide a custom painting for the bike.

The left side of the bike remembers the history of the area before Tūhoe and Ngāti Awa with the words Muriwai, Wairaka, Tōroa and Mataatua supporting a painting of people in Mr Iti’s signature style.

Tōroa was the captain of the Mataatua canoe when it arrived in the Eastern Bay, and Wairaka, his daughter, is honoured with the statue at the Whakatāne Heads.

The right side of the bike features places and street names facing Whakaari, with the words Tūranga Pikitoi, Ōhiwa, Wainui, Pohutukawa, Maraetotara, Ōtarawairere, Ōhope, Tauwhare Pa surrounding a second painting.

“He asked us to give my signature artwork and the whakapapa to Whakaari,” Mr Iti said.

“Everyone knows my artwork. The people around it and all the wording honours the whakapapa connected to Whakaari,” he said.

He is happy to support the Whakaari Trust, with this  the second time he has contributed artwork for an auction.

Since completing the painting, Mr Iti has taken the bike for a test drive, giving it a thumbs up.

“It’s good on a gravel road, with a top speed of 35-40 kilometres per hour,” he said.

Mr Wallace describes Moon Dogs as “beautiful bikes” for surfing lovers or for the golf course.

“Golf clubs, surf racks or cargo boxes can be added to the bike, and it can seat two people,” he said.

If the winner is worried about scratching the painting while using the bike, the tanks can be swapped and the originals preserved as an art piece.

“If you want to ride it as is, it’s a piece of living history,” he said.

The e-bike is being auctioned on Trade Me, with a link to the auction on the Whakaari Waiata website. It will run until 9pm on December 7.

Proceeds from the auction and the Whakaari Waiata concert will go to the Marshall-Inman Whakaari Trust to fund a permanent memorial.

Concert to honour Whakaari eruption

Next week, the Whakatāne community and families from around the world will gather to honour the fifth anniversary of the Whakaari eruption with a heartfelt remembrance event, Whakaari Waiata: Rhythm of Giving, to be held at Ōhope Beach Golf Links.

The commemorative concert brings together local and international voices in song, storytelling, and reflection, offering an opportunity to remember and celebrate those affected by the tragedy.

Event organiser Mark Inman said the concert was about giving back to the community and first responders, and to remember those impacted by the devastating day five years ago.

“This family-friendly concert will provide a meaningful opportunity to reunite and recognise the wider community’s tremendous efforts made to support those families in their time of need.”

The concert will be held on Saturday night, December 7, and will follow the Hayden Marshall-Inman Memorial Golf Tournament, to be held next Friday. This annual tournament has raised more than $160,000 for first responders.

The Whakaari Waiata concert will feature a blend of live performances from LAB’s Joel Shadbolt, Maisey Rika, Francis Kora and more.

Francis Kora said being part of the event was important in many ways.

“Whakatāne is my hometown, so to be a part of this special event was a must. Hayden was a dear friend of mine and to many that knew him. To give back to those affected, their families and the first response teams, is something that will bring huge aroha, wairua and peace to this special event.”

Art contributions from Vallkree and Tame Iti will be auctioned to support the Whakaari Memorial fund for a permanent physical Whakaari Memorial. The intention is for this site to serve as a place of comfort and reflection for all those touched by the events of 9 December 2019 for generations to come.

Whakaari Waiata takes place on Saturday, December 7 at Ōhope Beach Golf Links, with tickets available from whakaariwaiata.co.nz.

What: Whakaari Waiata Concert: Rhythm of Giving

When: Saturday, December 7

Where: Ōhope Beach Golf Links

Tickets: whakaariwaiata.co.nz