Double the fun at Fundays

It takes a brave officer to ride Manukau’s Rainbow’s End ‘bumper boats’ with every other boat piloted by a smiling youth looking to ensure not one part of the guy in uniform remains dry.

But that was all part of the action at this year’s Annual Blue Light Rainbow’s End Fundays.

Papakura Senior Sergeant Andrew Judson and Sergeant Dave Matthews with

youth from their area at the Blue Light Rainbow’s End Funday.
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Into its 12th year, sponsorship made two fun days possible this year, held over three days on two weekends in late August and mid September. More than 1000 youth attended each day.

“The fundays again proved how effective and simple it is for our sworn and nonsworn staff, along with Blue Light volunteers, to interact with youth in a fun, safe and relaxed environment, seeing positive results and in turn feeling appreciated,” says NZ Blue Light Ventures National Events Coordinator, Troy O’Dea.

“Everywhere you went you saw uniformed staff and their young charges walking, talking and laughing and, yes, eating.

“Feedback from the kids, parents, schools and Blue Light staff has only been positive and looks to ensure the Blue Light Rainbow’s End Funday will continue for years to come.

“Of course the event could not be held nor be effective without the volunteers, Police staff, Blue Light staff and an enthusiastic group of Youthtown volunteers.”

Sponsors subsidised 1000 Counties Manukau youth to the August Funday, joined by Blue Light branches from Whangārei, Kawerau, North Rodney, Kapiti, Putāruru, Tokoroa and Tārangi.

At the September Funday further sponsorship subsidised 300 Counties Manukau and 500 Waitakere youth, joined by Hibiscus Coast, Kawerau (for the second time) and North Waikato branches.

Sergeant Wayne Kelman, Whangārei, slightly damp after being targeted

on the bumper boats at the Blue Light Rainbow’s End Funday.