New funding on deck for youth sailing programme

The R Tucker Thompson Youth Sailing Trust is on the crest of a wave after being granted $4000 for its youth development programme during the Te Hiku Community Board’s April meeting.

The programme aims to empower youth by teaching them about life through the sea. It focuses on rangatahi from Te Tai Tokerau and the contribution from the board will help youth from Te Hiku Ward to take part.

The adventure education programme takes taitamariki aged from 14-18 on a seven-day voyage on the iconic tall ship R Tucker Thompson.

Students participate in an immersive learning experience centred on Tikanga Māori, focusing on belonging. Educational modules include Safety at Sea, Polynesian Celestial Navigation, Environmental Activities, and Food and Nutrition. Students learn traditional sailing techniques and take part in swimming, snorkelling to collect kai moana, and shore walks.

The hands-on nature of the programme enables students to gain self-confidence and a better understanding of their strengths as well as gain teamwork and leadership skills as they take on the challenges of sailing a tall ship and living at sea.

To find out more about the seven-day youth voyages click here.

The board also granted Momentum Trust $2270 to help fund life and financial skills programmes to be run at the Kaitāia Probation Centre. These programmes help individuals build essential life skills, learning tools and strategies to face day-to-day challenges. Momentum has partnered with Life101, a leading provider in life and financial skills programmes. More than 40 people will benefit from the initiative in May and June this year.

Te Wānanga o Te Rangi Āniwaniwa was granted $14,375 towards the costs of repainting the internal walls of its 25-metre heated swimming pool. Te Punawai-Ora pool in Awanui is a popular and important part of the local community that helps to ensure swimming skills can be developed to reduce drowning statistics.