After a year of trauma and tough times, a group of cyclone-affected tamariki have had an epic adventure in the central North Island.
The 28 students from Hawke’s Bay and Te Karaka in Tairāwhiti spent four days at the Wairakei Blue Light Lodge forging friendships and having fun. The Blue Light organisation helps Police achieve its youth and community objectives by providing proactive initiatives.
The group were supported by Eastern District Police staff, teachers from Te Karaka School, six Blue Light staff and Christchurch Senior Constable Bruce Ward, whose idea it was to organise the trip. He organised similar trips for children affected by the 15 March mosque attacks in Christchurch.
"I was in Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle as part of reassurance patrols and saw firsthand the devastation and trauma some of these young people have had to deal with,” says Bruce.
“The camp is an opportunity to give these children a little light relief. To have some fun and adventure and make new friends."
Hawke’s Bay Youth Aid Constable Hazel Mitchell says the team named the camp ‘Te Ao Mārama’ (Moving from the Darkness into the Light), to reflect the journey of recovery and new beginnings for local whānau.
The Eastern District Police Leadership Team supported the release of local staff to assist at the camp.
The students had the chance to try a range of activities including swimming at the AC Baths, riding on the Gondola and Luge in Rotorua, taking a jet boat ride on Lake Rotorua and hitting some golf balls at the Wairakei driving range. They also walked up Mt Tauhara.
Central Hawke’s Bay School Community Officer Che Lind says a lot of games were played, new friendships forged and fun had by the students and adults.
“It was a real highlight to see the students have a really positive end to 2023 after such a bad start,” says Che.
He says they were well looked after at the Blue Light Lodge by former police officers Manu Petera and Soncerei Hemmingway.
“We want to thank the Eastern District Leadership Team for supporting the camp, and our National Blue Light organisation for funding and facilitating it.”