An eight-week programme aimed at building positive relationships with rangatahi in Napier will kick off next month with a new intake of students and a new name.
The Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit (CACTUS) programme has been operating for a decade at William Colenso College in Napier and this year changes its name to Te Vaka Māia.
The programme sees students train early in the morning three times a week, alongside Police, teachers and local community and iwi groups. It aims to build fitness, discipline, and partnerships.
Eastern District Ethnic Liaison Officer Sergeant Willie Tran has been involved in the programme since its inception and says the new name is more relatable and better reflects the local community.
“Te Vaka Māia can be translated to ‘The Vessel of Courage’, which is an apt description of a programme that challenges the students both physically and mentally,” he says.
“It takes courage to get up early and sustain eight weeks of intensive training. It takes courage to get to know new people and it takes courage to push through difficult times to grow as an individual and to prevail.”
Willie says the rangatahi benefit holistically, by developing mental and physical strength, as well as taking part in a whānau-based programme.
“The personal growth and development achieved during this programme is something that can be transferred to other areas of school and life.”
Meanwhile, the same programme run at Flaxmere College has also adopted the name change.
This year, Te Vaka Māia starts at both schools on Monday 1 August and finishes with The Longest Day on Saturday 24 September.