My Voice - May 2024

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NorthTec is a business division of Te Pūkenga New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

North Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania graduated with a Master of Education degree with First Class Honours specialising in Māori medium education.

Far North’s Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania recently inspired over 800 people with his graduation address at the University of Waikato. Tepania graduated in April with a Master of Education degree with First Class Honours, specializing in Māori medium education.

“I’m a kid from a dusty gravel road in the middle of nowhere,” Tepania said. “Graduating shows that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from. You can do anything you make up your mind to do and bring that home to your people.”

Tepania, of Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa/ Te Rarawa descent, was chosen by the university faculty leadership as the sole student representative to speak at his graduation ceremony. He shared his experience as a student, what he gained from his studies, and offered advice to fellow graduates.

His Master of Education dissertation focused on using maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar, for learning te reo Māori in education. “The research I undertook affirmed that the maramataka is holistic and personal and is an intergenerational form of cultural knowledge transmission that we can use to excel, just as our tūpuna used it,” Tepania said.

His passion for te reo Māori began at Pompallier Catholic College, leading him to become a Māori language teacher at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe before becoming mayor. Senior students

from the kura assisted with his Master of Education research.

Tepania’s journey began at the University of Waikato 15 years ago as an undergraduate, where he completed a Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Arts in Te Reo Māori. He entered the teaching profession in 2014.

Born in Whangārei and raised in Hikurangi, Tepania spent his holidays in remote north Hokianga’s Mitimiti, to which he is linked. He also has strong ties to Whangaroa.

His research into the use of maramataka has led to significant changes in the Far North District Council (FNDC) governance. Council meeting timetables have been rescheduled to align with the moon’s cycles for better decision-making. Council meetings, which used to be six-weekly on a set day of the week, are now four-weekly, in sync with the moon and on differing days of their scheduled week, depending on what is most favorable. Tepania said diarising council meetings to fit the moon’s cycles means better-flowing meetings.

Tepania was first elected to FNDC in 2019 and was elected as Far North Mayor in 2022. He was bestowed with the title of kahika, the tall and strong native kahikatea tree, at his council’s Waitangi Treaty Grounds pōwhiri. He represents the council’s Māori ward Ngā Tai o Tokerau and is also a Local Government New Zealand board member.

In October, Tepania was presented with a prestigious international award for encouraging youth in politics in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Come to the free Puāwai Youth Wellbeing Festival!

Bring your friends and join the fun! Loads of activities, free giveaways, live music and performances, food and market stalls.

Puāwai Festival, 25th May, 11am – 4pm at Whangārei Boys High School!

Sometimes, it’s hard to know where to go for help when you’re feeling a bit off. Your whānau and friends might have their own problems, so where to go for support? Help is out there, and we want to make it easy for you to access it at the wellbeing festival!

Puāwai is a wellbeing festival for you, run and organised by local youth. Win prizes by completing sports and creative activities, access information about mental, physical and sexual health, job and education support and more. Enjoy local youth hip hop and rock bands, kapa haka performances and circus shows.

Last year’s organisers, Aorangi Hetaraka, Cézanne Hamilton and Takaimaania Ngata-Henare, ran the event

for the first time last year with support of Inspiring Stories. They found getting help around their own wellbeing difficult and wanted to bring a fun, free and non judgemental event to Whangarei, to connect Whangārei’s youth great opportunities.

‘We hope that when the taiohi leave our event, they feel strong and have a sense of self-determination of their own well-being. We hope they feel confident to access support if need be. We really want to empower our young people, our friends’, says Aorangi. Aorangi and her team have passed on this year’s organisation to Jodie Rameka and her team from the WDC Youth Advisory Group.

Jodie is excited about working with many of last year’s providers and promises an amazing event. ‘It will be so much fun. If you are between 13 and 25 years, this event is for you!’

More information on Instagram @puawai_festival or Facebook @Pūawai Festival Whangārei

Dyour community and volunteer!

o you want to help your community but don’t know where to start? Young volunteers like you have a lot of options to help change the world – and it looks great on your CV, too!

Volunteering gives you the opportunity to work through real challenges and make meaningful change. It offers great experiences that can help you to grow your skills, and of course have fun!

If you want to volunteer, but you don’t know where to start, Volunteering Northland can help. We can connect you with organisations in your area. There are many roles that can fit around your work and study schedule, and many organisations welcome young volunteers. Or if you want to run your own project or event, join

our Whangārei Youth Action Leadership Group and get support! Together, we will make sure to find something that is right for you and that you are passionate about.

Another great way to find a good volunteer role is The Amazing Youth Volunteer Race on 20th May, 4pm – 7pm in Whangārei’s city centre. Join the race with your team and make a difference right now! The amazing volunteer race is a fun

and impactful way to give back to the people around you: Help local community organisations and collect volunteer hours in the process. Become the first team to complete the microvolunteering challenges and win! It’s for ages 13 – 24, sign up is free and food is included.

More information on our website www.volunteeringnorthland.nz or on Instagram @whangareiyouthaction

Have you dreamed of working and living at Disney?

ITC supports students with options to work abroad. With the support of our Employment Consultants, ITC graduates really do get the most amazing opportunities overseas. We support our students and help them prepare for the application process. This is why ITC graduates have had so much success in gaining Internships all over the world.

The Disney J1 New Zealand Cultural Exchange Program is a five to twelve-month experience located at Walt Disney World® Resort, near Orlando, Florida. Participants of this program have the opportunity to gain real world work experience with a world renowned entertainment company, learn skills from Disney leaders, meet people from around the world and take part in a life-changing experience. Participants work in front line, guest-facing roles throughout our Parks & Resorts.

Northlander, Mya Jorna is currently living her best life in a paid internship with the Disney Cultural Exchange Program. Bream Bay College graduate Mya Jorna attended an Adventure Short Course through school at the International Travel College of NZ (ITC). She learnt about the amazing opportunity to study tourism in Northland and wanted to one day work for Disney in Orlando Florida. Mya worked hard to graduate with her tourism and travel qualifications and with the support from ITC applied for her place at Disney in January 2024.

all opportunities they give you. It really is up to you to make things better for tomorrow!

Where to from here? Where do you see yourself when your Disney experience comes to a closure?

After my Disney program I plan to travel around the USA and Europe before I come back home. I would love to do a camp in America as well as learn more about lots of different cultures.

Do you want to live and work at Disney like Mya? Explore your study options in either Auckland, Botany, Whangarei or from home with The International Travel College. Let them support you and improve your career and become the stepping stone to an amazing future. Visit www.itc.co.nz, email college@itc.co.nz or call 0800868747 to find out more.

Mya’s fondest memory at ITC being the Industry Expo event that they set up for the students. “It showed me that they really cared about our future and put in a lot of time and effort,” said Mya.

On the 19th January 2024, Mya flew to Orlando Florida to begin her Cultural Exchange Programme and attend the Disney University. Mya is now a qualified Disney Lifeguard at the all star sports resort. Her favourite perk of working and living at Disney? Going to the parks for free whenever she wants!

We caught up with Mya and here’s what she has to say so far about her incredible experience

What have been the highlights so far working for Disney?

• Meeting so many new people and making lifelong friends

• Having many different experiences in the American culture

• Spending my days off adventuring around the parks

What does a day in the life of someone in your role at Disney look like?

My role as a lifeguard mainly consists of spending the days scanning the pools for any possible situation and when I’m not on stand I spend my time talking to guests creating magical moments where I can.

What have been the challenges so far, how have you overcome these?

For me a challenge was the transition to living at home with my family to living on my own with people i had never met. Mya’s advice is: Definitely give everything a go and jump at

Navigating Youth

Welcome to Youth Week, where we celebrate the energy, creativity, and potential of young people like you! As we embark on this exciting journey, let’s dive into a topic that’s all about having fun while staying safe: minimizing the harm from drugs and alcohol.

• The Thrill of Exploration

Ah, the allure of the unknown! It’s no secret that as young people, we’re naturally curious and always up for an adventure. Whether it’s trying new experiences or pushing boundaries, the thrill of exploration is part of what makes youth so exhilarating.

• Unveiling the Risks

But wait, before we set sail on the sea of experimentation, let’s take a moment to read the map. Drugs and alcohol might seem like thrilling detours, but they come with their fair share of risks. From foggy judgment to potential addiction, it’s essential to understand the potential pitfalls before we hit the open road.

• Adventure with Caution

Now, here’s the exciting part: navigating this adventure with caution! Just like a seasoned explorer, we can equip ourselves with strategies to minimize the risks:

Smart Planning: Think of your night out as a grand expedition. Plan ahead, know your limits, and have a trusted crew to navigate with.

Safety First: Seatbelts on, team! If you choose to indulge, do it responsibly. Avoid mixing substances and always have a designated navigator if you’re hitting the road.

Adventure Buddies: Every great adventure needs a trusty sidekick. Surround yourself with friends who prioritize safety and lookout for each other along the way. Know the Terrain: Educate yourself about the substances you might encounter and the potential risks they pose. Knowledge is your compass in uncharted territories.

• Adventure Awaits

So, as we celebrate Youth Week, let’s embrace the spirit of adventure while empowering ourselves and others to make smart choices. Let’s remember to navigate with wisdom, courage, and a spirit of exploration. By prioritizing our health and safety, advocating for harm reduction, and supporting one another along the way, we can turn every adventure into a triumph.

It’s important also to remember that help is always at hand, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of drugs and alcohol. Rubicon Youth is here for you. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with substance use, know that you’re not alone. Our team offers

confidential support and guidance to help you navigate these rough waters. Whether you need advice, resources, or just a listening ear, we’re here to help, no judgments attached.

Don’t hesitate to reach out. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can tackle any obstacles that come our way. So, as you continue your journey through youth, remember: you’ve got a support system waiting for you whenever you need it.

Here’s to a Youth Week filled with excitement, camaraderie, and responsible adventures!

You can contact us on:

Phone: 09 428 2340

Email: admin@rubiconyouth.org.nz

Website: www.rubiconyouth.org.nz

Instagram: @rubiconyouth.te.tai.tokerau

Northland Youth Health Services available to all 12-24 year olds. Ask us about anything!

Clinics held at high schools, colleges, area schools, kura kaupapa and alternative education sites throughout Northland. After school hours clinics in Whangārei.

To enquire or book free appointments:

For school-based clinics, enquire through your student support centre or contact the NYHS team directly (see below). For the after-hours clinic in Whangārei, call, text or message.

For Whangārei and Kaipara, call or text 021 485 261 or 021 574 728. For Mid-North, call/text 021 574 823 or 021 243 8016. For Far North, call/text 021 541 934 or 021 483 657. Otherwise, message the team via Facebook: Northland Youth Health Services @northlandyhs, or via Instagram: northland_youth.

Interested in farming?

Want to give it a try before you commit to a career in agriculture?

Each year before our Whangarei intern programme begins, we hold a skills development camp on farm. This is a great way to test out whether farming is for you… Hear how some of this year’s potential farmers found being on camp at a dairy farm in Whakapara.

Despite the early starts Max had a great time on camp.

‘I really enjoyed learning how to milk cows and getting to learn how to drive the quads, digger and tractor.

I also enjoyed learning more about dairy farming as I only live on a small lifestyle block with sheep. I really loved learning more about jersey cows. The camp has confirmed that I want a career in farming, I’ve decided to go contracting as I want to drive tractors. I’ve now been working on a farm in Waiotira building up my tractor hours, I’m already at 40 from moving bails, and feeding out.’

Ella went on camp and ended up coming out with a job!

‘The biggest challenge for me was getting up early and learning to milk. But I ended up meeting my neighbours

and getting a job on their farm! I’m really looking forward to learning more about farming and earning some money. I would 100% recommend to my other friends, we had so much fun and made new friends!’

Troy also enjoyed milking cows and driving the quad.

‘I found nothing challenging it was all fun and easy to do. I enjoyed learning to milk in a rotary shed which was easier than a herringbone. I made heaps of new friends and found it easier to do this by staying onsite with the others doing the camp. I feel more confident that I would have the ability to work on farm now and would enjoy it as a career.’

Millie enjoyed learning to tie new knots…

‘I really loved being close to the animals the cows and the dogs and learning how to milk. We also learned about drying off cows and tying all sorts of different fencing knots. I made 3 really good friends that I’ll keep in touch with after the camp. I’m hoping we will all sign up to Whangarei A&P Society’s intern programme together!’

If you are interested in trying farming by attending one of our skills development camps or signing up to our Farm Intern Programme, get in touch! Email Steve at farm@wap.org. nz or visit whangareiap.org.nz/farminternship-programme

Jasmine Spraggon

Certificate in Conservation (Operations) (Level 4)

“I had been working in retail and just wasn’t enjoying it. I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors and the Certificate in Conservation (Operations) (Level 4) had a little of everything. Something to get my hands dirty, have a look and see what’s out there.”

“I love the hands-on aspect and that most of the time we are outside doing stuff. There is theory and its necessary, but most of the time we are outside putting what we’ve learnt into practice.”

When asked about the course highlights, Jasmine had plenty to say.

“There’s such a wide range of people here, they collectively have such rich knowledge about a wide range of things, whether it’s related to the course or not. You can learn a little bit of everything.”

“Although you read the course overview and know what you’re in for, you still learn so much more than you’re expecting to. You pick up so many little things from your tutor or form the other students. It’s pretty cool.”

“The course has definitely made me think more broadly about what’s out there and what I want to do in the future. Coming from school and going straight into retail, I didn’t really pause to think about what you can do and what’s out there. Through this course I’ve realised I can do so much more than I thought I could.”

“Just go for it. I was hesitant to start, I thought a year was a long commitment, but it isn’t. It was so worth it.”

Start Your Future Today!

Study today at NorthTec to get a head start on a career you’ll love and meet new people who share your passions.

Joanee Waddington

NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)

Despite being only sixteen, Joanee wasn’t attending school and hadn’t been for some time, but that didn’t stop her from enrolling in the NZ Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3).

“Ever since my dad died, I kind of switched off to everything,” says Joanee. “My mum is the one that made me enrol for study. She wanted to learn new skills and she asked me to come along with her and do something with myself.”

“I signed up for this course because I’ve always wanted to learn to be a barista and I’m really interested in learning how to make and prepare different food. I also wanted to get used to being around and working with other people, preparing for the real world and a real job.”

“I’m glad I enrolled. It’s been really good for me. I’ve made a lot of friends with the people on the course, and we’ve all supported each other. It’s given me a lot of useful skills and brought me out of my shell a bit. I’ve found out I really like baking and I hope to get a job doing that. But first I want to continue to study and do the level 4 hospitality, before going on to work. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll have my own business.”

Andrew Walker

Bachelor of Nursing

“I’ve always wanted to work in healthcare and be able to help people. I think it’s a privilege to be involved in such a meaningful way and to be able to contribute to their lives at a time when they aren’t feeling great.”

“I’ve been getting so much support form the tutors. It’s nice having small classes and getting to know the tutor personally. You’re not just a number or a blank face in a lecture hall. You wouldn’t get that at a larger university.”

When asked if the course has impacted him in anyway, so far. Andrew had some pretty clear ideas.

“I think this opened my mind to how different circumstances can impact on people's health and how their health condition can impact on their life. It's a cycle. Nothing happens in isolation. I now see how people get into these cycles and why its so hard to get out of them.”

“It’s been interesting being male and going into nursing. It’s still very female dominated in the classroom. But since I’ve been on the wards, I’ve seen there’s a lot more male nurses out there these days. Everyone is great they, though are very invested in me succeeding and everyone is there to help each other.”

Leo Palmer

Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 6)

“While I was in high school, I wanted to be a teacher. A secondary school teacher specifically. My mom was a teacher and was at intermediate schools, and a lot of my family, my uncles and Aunties are in the teaching industry as well. So, I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”

“Once I finished high school a couple of years ago, I knew that I wanted to go study in the sporting industry. I was originally going to go down to Auckland. But COVID hit and it seems to be a bad time to relocate. I just looked for other options and then I saw that I could still get the same qualification up here in Whangārei.”

NorthTec | Te Pūkenga works in partnership with AUT to deliver the Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, allowing learners access to Degree level study without having to move down to Auckland.

“I’m doing the level six course this year and then next year go on to level seven at bachelor’s degree. From there I can do a fourth year to get my teaching degree. I can specialize in teaching PE and health. Those are the two subjects that I’m most passionate about and interested in.”

harness your creative talent for a career?

The creative industries are continuing to grow, and kiwi creative talent is in demand all over the world.

If drawing, problem solving and coming up with new things is what you like, then The Design School can help you turn those skills into a career in the Creative Industries.

The Design School offers level 2,3 and 4 certificates, including NCEA, which opens the door to all higher education. And now they offer a Diploma in Creative Enterprise level 5, to help people launch their own business.

“Our passion is helping creative people turn their talent into a successful career”, says Mike Saywell, Director of The Design School. “And for many people in NZ, a creative career means being your own boss, so we launched the Diploma in Creative Enterprise to help students realise their

dreams of running their own business. We work a bit differently to most Schools and Tertiary providers. All our courses are purpose made for creative people with small groups, lots of oneto-one teaching, and assessments built into creative projects that allow people to express themselves while still earning credits.”

The small groups mean people can start a course in Graphic or Fashion Design at any time during the year. Students can then continue study in these areas or take the skills and apply them to any design discipline.

The level 2 courses are free and the levels 3, 4 & 5 courses can also be free if students are eligible for the fees free grants. There are no hidden costs. The Design School supplies everything students need to complete the certificate courses, including fashion fabrics.

With over 30 years of exceptional results everyone can be confident of

A presentation of students individual styles developed at The Design School.

being successful. The School helps over a hundred creative students launch their careers every year. Graduates now work for some of the best design companies in the world and many run their own businesses. Check out www.designschool.ac.nz or find them on Facebook and then pop into The Design School studio to see what can be achieved.

MINDFUL MOMENTS:

Soothing Exercises Tailored for Youth

Five Senses

Check-In:

• Sit comfortably and take a few deep breaths.

• Notice five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.

This exercise helps bring awareness to the present moment and grounds you in your surroundings.

Nature Walk:

• Go for a walk outside in nature, whether it’s in a park, forest, or by the beach.

• Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

• Take deep breaths and feel the fresh air filling your lungs.

• Notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground with each step.

• Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of nature.

This exercise helps ground you in the present moment and connect with the natural world.

Breathing Exercise:

• Find a quiet place to sit or lie down comfortably.

• Close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, counting to four.

• Hold your breath for a count of four.

• Slowly exhale through your mouth, counting to four.

• Repeat this pattern for several breaths, focusing on the sensation of your breath as it enters and leaves your body.

This exercise helps calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.

Gratitude Journaling:

• Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you’re grateful for.

• They can be big or small, such as a sunny day, a good meal, or spending time with loved ones.

• Reflect on why you’re grateful for each thing and how it makes you feel.

This exercise helps cultivate a positive mindset and appreciation for the good things in life.

Registrations open for Road Safety Heroes relay

2024 ROAD SAFETY WEEK LOOMING

The challenge is on for Northland businesses, community groups and individuals to register for the 2024 Road Safety Heroes relay.

The free May 24 event around the Hātea Loop in Whangārei is backed by Northland Road Safety Trust, Northland Transportation Alliance, Plunket and NZ Police.

“Organisations and individuals are invited to participate in our Road Safety Hero relay to celebrate our heroes in road safety and raise awareness for the challenges we face around road safety in Northland,” says Northland Road Safety Trust Manager Ashley Johnston.

“We want people to enter relay teams for our traditional Road Safety Hero walk around the Hātea Loop but we expect the competitive nature of our first responders to kick in and make a race of it. We want to continue growing this event and would love hundreds of people to join us on May 24.”

Johnston says it is important to continually bring focus to the need for safer habits on our roads, as

Northland’s unacceptably high road toll continues to grow.

As part of the annual Road Safety Week, she says bringing the community together for the Road Safety Hero Relay is a chance to focus on better and safer behaviour from all road users.

Locals are asked to register online and meet at the Canopy Bridge at 12.30pm on May 24th and be ready for a 1pm start. The event will begin with a karakia from Raurimu School, followed by an acknowledgement of the 38 lives lost to road crashes in Northland in 2024, before the relay starts.

Register for 2024 Road Safety Heroes relay at https://forms. gle/5FWNwys5ftsVeQ2NA and to find out more about Road Safety Week 2024 (including downloading educational packs), check out https:// www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/

During Road Safety Week, child restraint workshops will also be held around Whangārei. Find more at www.facebook.com/nrsnrcnz

2023-Road Safety Hero walk

Ashley Johnston - Northland Road Safety Trust Manager

At NorthAble, we get it - society throws barriers at us, especially when it comes to finding work. That’s why we created the Āhei program. It’s not your typical internship. We hook you up with awesome businesses and organisations in Whangārei, so you - our amazing tāngata whaikaha (that’s you, awesome people with disabilities) - can dive right into the work scene.

SUPPORT

Āhei has a team of mentors to guide you through every step of your internship placement, from commencement to graduation.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

We guide you through your employment development with workshops, training, peer sessions and job placement to provide learning opportunities along the way.

GROWTH

We provide opportunities to grow professionally in the workplace and personally through an alternative approach to the program that supports your individual learning needs.

COMMUNITY

We help you build social connections with peers, actively working to create a collegial atmosphere between you and your fellow interns.

TEAM RED: a group, young and able

Phoebe Pratt is a real go getter – former head girl at her school, leader of intermediate years at her church and regular volunteer at community fairs. When she was 16, despite an already full plate, she eagerly added one more thing to her ‘to do’ list: becoming a blood donor.

New Zealand needs 5000 donations per week to meet hospital demands, and thanks to New Zealand Blood Service’ (NZBS) committed donors, there is always a reliable blood supply readily available to anyone in need, anytime and anywhere in the country. Eligible donors can donate up until their 76th birthday.

Phoebe says she has always been an advocate for helping others, so it was no surprise that she’d be onboard to join New Zealand Blood Service’s (NZBS) blood donor registry once of eligible age.

“I knew it was something I could do for the greater good and knowing I could save three lives from one donation well, I couldn’t wait to give it a go”, says Phoebe.

Phoebe knew she wanted to contribute and was delighted upon learning that she’d finally met the eligibility criteria –

she donated blood for the first time.

“I was overjoyed! It just felt so good to do it, so good that I wanted other people to do it too.”

Phoebe not only joined the registry as a blood donor this year, she’s also taken initiative and organised a Team Red at her school to donate with her. Team Red is an NZBS initiative that motivates people to donate blood as a group – it’s open to businesses, organisations, social clubs, even groups of friends all in the hopes of recruiting more blood donors.

Originally, Phoebe thought of bringing her school’s executive team on board (the team she works with as head girl), but she soon realised the interest to help amongst her peers far exceeded her executive team, so she reached out to the entire school for volunteers.

“At the moment, we have seven people on board. We’ve all recently donated together for the first time and we can’t wait to do it again”, says Phoebe.

Their Team Red meets punctually at 7am on school grounds before departing together to their closest NZBS donor centre. Their school considers this excursion a school trip, so they can donate during school hours. The team donate, munch on a biscuit or two and are promptly back on school premises by 10am.

“As head girl, I go to assemblies and I talk about how important it is to donate blood in the hopes of encouraging fellow students to start at a young age. It’s exciting to bring people on board – it’s so rewarding to affect someone’s life in such a positive way as this.”

Phoebe’s Team Red was prompted by an idea, a simple idea to help others in need. Now, there are seven new names on the NZBS donor registry who’ve potentially helped save 21 lives with their first donation. Soon Phoebe will be adding ‘Uni’ to her to do list, but for now her Team Red is saving lives, one group donation at a time.

To find out more about how you can become a blood donor, click here or call 0800 GIVE BLOOD.

Kickstart your career in media as a

Figuring out where you want to go in life can always be a struggle, figuring out what university to go to or where to study especially if you want to get into the media industry – so why not start early and become a ZM Black Thunder.

We are always looking for fun, outgoing and reliable year 12 and 13 students to join our local ZM Black Thunder team in Whangarei. This role requires someone who is hard working, positive, creative and passionate about people. You’ll need to be clam and able to hold your smile under pressure and be ok making sense of the occasional chaos! You’ll get to work with an awesome team and head along to the coolest events and promotions in Northland!

The best part is that even if you are unsure where you want to head in life, this role is perfect for helping you find out if media is the place for you – some of our past ZM Black Thunders have moved on to work in digital media, radio and television.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, then send your CV through to ZMNorthland@nzme.co.nz

Whangarei Boys' High School Talents Shine at Shakespeare's Globe

Two Whangarei Boys’ High School students are set to shine on the global stage at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

Jackson Terry & M’Lago Morris, both previous Whangarei Theatre Company members, will join 24 other young New Zealanders at the Young Shakespeare Company’s (YSC) intensive three-week theatre course in London this July.

Their journey to London began with standout performances at the prestigious SGCNZ University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival in Wellington. Terry was honoured with

the individual ‘Speak the Speech’ award and was part of a group that won Best Comic Ensemble and Most Effective Design. Morris received the ‘Physical, Emotional and Political Commitment to Youth Work’ award and won Outstanding Costume Design and Most Thought-Provoking Performance.

This opportunity is not just a personal milestone for Morris & Terry but a chance to showcase New Zealand talent on a global stage. To support their journey, fundraising efforts are underway aiming to raise around $22,000.

M’Lago Morris is excited to bring Whāngarei to the world stage. Spare time performing with the National Youth Theatre.

The James Rice Trust, administered by Whangarei Theatre Company, was pleased to support Terry’s funding application which will cover some of the associated costs. The Trust was established as a gift by long-standing former member James Rice upon his death who specified the money was to be used especially for young people to receive theatrical training. Over the years the Trust has provided money for vocal and speech training and paid towards the fees of students who were sitting advanced exams in Speech and Voice.

Whangarei Theatre Company welcomes applications to the Trust from anyone wishing to upskill in a particular aspect of theatre. More information and an application form can be found at whangareitheatrecompany.org.nz.

Jackson Terry is spending his spare time performing with the National Youth Theatre.

Whangārei Boys High School students Jackson Terry and M’Lago Morris are to grace the stage at London’s Globe. Photo / Tania Whyte.

Fees Free Study! *

Youth Guarantee (YG) funding means Fees Free * Tertiary study for students aged 16-24 years who undertake study in vocational pathways at level 3, maybe one of the following courses with possible YG funding will suit you?

• New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (General) (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Apiculture (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Construction Trades Skills (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Food and Beverage Service (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Foundation (Level 2) Construction

• New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2)

• New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 2

• New Zealand Certificate in Hospitality (Level 2)

*conditions apply

New Zealand

Kaitaia

Bay Of Islands

Whangārei

Ngāwhā

Auckland

REGENT TRAINING CENTRE