Youth Magazine May 2012 by Heather Tangiora

MAY 201

d South Waikato

roa an A magazine for the youth of Toko

K i- o -R a

Tr aditiona l M ā o r i g am e s ar e gaining gr e a t m om en tum ar ound the countr y, a nd one these gam es is Ki –o -Rahi.

... Inside

I s t he m h i t h o e s s ag e need me t o ed p ar en t ts, ou he commu to whan r y ou nit y, a t the m u. It ’s all a h and b os t o f eac out makin h da y g .

M y Vill a

ge If it takes ‘a a child ’, w village to r aise h y ar e s o m an y y o ung pe ople feeli ng like they don’t have a co mmunit y of people s ur r o und ing t h em , en c ou connec tin r aging them, g, challen ging, shaping a nd mould ing them?

GGA

WA ry Definition of S ictiona an D e or U rb s t y l em e e u h h t u n iq ts t se’ om ow n at se el – fr

h ’s e ‘O n e n a l i t y t a n y o n ou o m s o es y e p er ar t f r k a m ti v t ap w h a d i s t i n c i v e. s i gga nique, definit u Swa and

C.L.I.Ps

ling , innovative and pr ofi Cr eative, leadership of 12 for med in March 20 specialist team was st re Fo , native Education students from Alter Tokoroa High School. d an View High School t ir hands up to be apar These student put the ed ow sh all as they of this cr eative team d er es t in designing an int an d ha d an inter es t th ojects that link in wi leading community pr s. ial the Tokoroa Youth Tr ople receive ‘on the This team of young pe ts the community, even job ’ learning ar ound o nt, they will als and pr oject manageme nit y to be inspir ed rtu po have the op al and by engaging with loc ll as we as rs national leade ir the in ow gr to being able as ll we as hip rs ow n leade mmunity fur ther developing co connections. ula Baxter A big thank you to Pa the South and Florence Kerr of sis ting their Waikato News for as n of this time to the pr oductio ur nalism and Jo a magazine thr ough op with the Photography Worksh CLIPS team. staf f of Verdict Also thank you to the the time they for Ltd Communications uth magazine have spent on our yo 2

LAUNCH of the Tokoroa Youth Media & Music Hub As a part of the “MY VILLAGE” youth hub concept an unveiling of our youthfriendly spaces including the brand new Tokoroa Youth Media and Music Hub will take place on the 23rd of May at 3:30pm. Based on site at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Tokoroa (at the back of the complex, beside the basketball court) the brand new media and music hub offers the following: • 27x computers (for homework, blogging, making digit music etc) • Full recording studio complex (for cutting demos and CD making) • A professional radio station set-up (for broadcasting live!) • A projector viewing media room • A digital music suite • And a creative writing lab complete with a DREAM-WALL!

Facts you can count on

Fact 1: The South Waikato News is delivered to 10,963* homes and businesses in the South Waikato region every Wednesday (*DEC 2011 Audit Bureau of Circulation Inc) Fact 2: The South Waikato News has the highest readership in the South Waikato region of 19,000 people aged 15+ years (*2011 Nielsen Media Research)

62-66 Bridge Street, Tokoroa Phone 07 886 9159

Dare to dream for our Rangatahi What is the Tokoroa Youth Trials ? “Tokoroa is one of only six NZ towns that has been given the opportunity to develop it’s very own set of solutions to help young people. We, as a town, decide on what our youth need and where Government funding will be spent. Everyone working with our youth works collaboratively, instead of doing things a part from one another and the Government agencies work with us on this, but the community takes the lead. This is what the Youth Trials are all about and in only 10 months we’ve seen AMAZING results for youth.”

h aia o H e d ith Ja anger w M iew terv Services n i n A h – Yout

What AMAZING results have you seen so far? “I think that one of the most amazing things has been that there’s been a real desire for services and community groups to work together so our youth don’t “fall through the cracks”. We’ve developed the first ever strategic plan for young people with 22x locally sourced solutions to help youth, which includes for example: the set-up of CLUBs the after-school mentoring programme with 19x trained mentors, 1000 youth on holiday programmes, youth work and leadership programmes in schools to counteract truancy, the “MY VILLAGE” youth hub concept is incredible forthis town and the “it’s not okay to miss a day” truancy campaign and alcohol awareness weeks coming up next month are going to be hugely successful too. last week I was able to report that 27 youth had been helped into further education, training or employment. These rangatahi are well on their way to reaching their dreams.

You talk a lot about dreams and youth aspirations is this a particular interest area for you? “Yes it is. Many of the young people I come in contact with have no idea what they want to do with their lives. Dreams aren’t just about great jobs, dreams are about being daring, innovative, adventurous and chasing after those moments in life when you can say “I was born to do this”. Dreams speak of extending ourselves, pushing the limits, new experiences and the promise of a better future. Every young person deserves the right to be able to dream and to chase their dreams till they’re realised. Our job as mentors, big sisters, uncles, parents or grandparents is to encourage them, to role-model, to point out potential pathways and to be their greatest fans! It’s amazing how much our kids long to make their loved ones proud of them.”

C.L.I.Ps To receive an electronic copy of the Tokoroa Youth Action Plan or to find out more about the Social Sector Youth Trials contact Jade Ph: 027 577 7706 or email: Jade.hohaia@raukawa.org.nz 3

Discipline, Respect & Honour

is a proud nga o Kap n o Kair rn and raised boy. He is the Assistant Raukawa bo rtial Arts (MMA) Ma d xe Mi dicate Syn Coach of the a who Te Wananga o Aotearo at d cate lo demy Aca o Thai for the past tw Muay in d specialise has d Coach Maka Kea years alongside Hea

Mixed Martial Arts

urrounded by bad influences Kairon studied Muay Thai as a young teen where he thought that he was going to learn to be a better fighter. However, being engrossed in Muay Thai he found it humbling and gratifying for he not only became a better person, but he also transformed into a better husband, father and a mentor for young people. This is why MMA is important to Kairon as it represents three values or tikanga— discipline, respect, and honour which forms a great part of the Māori, Japanese, Chinese and other indigenous societies. Kairon names Jiu-jitsu black belt Master West Gracie as the god of MMA. Mr Gracie combined Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, taekwondo

and many other marital arts from around the world to create Mix Martial Arts. There are many young people today who are heading in the wrong direction, but there are a lot of young people who are coming through MMA where the coaches and mentors are forming career paths for our youth. One in particular is 16 year old Anton Milnes. Kairon says that “it’s important for youth mentors to think about what they do in their lives and how they can apply it to helping other kids”. MMA is not solely about teaching young people to fight, but the coaches, or “father figures” as Kairon puts it, of MMA teaches young people to be better people for themselves, their iwi, hapu and whanau. “Our young people are succeeding because there is a good work ethic, commitment to the gym, themselves and to their coaches” Kairon continues to explain that, “with the right amount of knowledge taught to the fighters, right amount of mentoring we put into them, and the time we spend with them we as mentor coaches are succeeding. We go out of our way and go the extra mile for our young ones...we would provide everything a mother and father would give...we try to do the best we can as coaching staff, mentors, and as father figures”.

For more information for fitness programs and full MMA training visit the academy on Ashworth St, Tokoroa next to Te Wananga o Aotearoa . 4

Email: youthservices@raukawa.org.nz —Subject: MMA

ra ise a town s a e n? Can w p irat io s in f o el t h e le v The Raukawa Youth Mentoring programme has a main focus on “Raising the Level of Inspiration”, getting amongst our young people, journeying with them, doing life together and along the way being able to relay positive pro-social messages to counteract anti-social behaviour. ‘Raise it up” is a series of mentoring programmes to lift the spirits of our young people, to lift their chins if they’re down and out and to lift up their sights to believe that life can be so much more than what they currently see. Kotahi ano te kaupapa, hikina te rangi wairua. There is one purpose to our work, to raise the level of inspiration and potential in the lives of our youth. We operate a mentoring service where we Have access to 19x trained, awesome, local and Inspiring Youth leaders and community mentors. Group mentoring and 1:1 mentoring can be arranged. Text Aroha on the Tokoroa Youth Action Hotline: (Ph: 027-243-8058) and watch this space for more “Raise it up” youth events.

Reflective journal... a student from Waiariki I am really determined to pa ss the CTLS course and get my certificate. I really lik e coming to course, most of the time. Since starti ng this course I’ve noticed a lot of changes in my self. I’ve made friends and am now doing something with my life. I am proud that my numeracy skills are becoming easier an d understandable for me. I have a lot of difficultly in maths. During the first term we worked on fractions and percentages, which I have difficulty in understanding. I have since then learnt a lot and can solve equations wi th fractions, decimals and per centages in them. I really enjoyed the first tim e we went water rafting. I have learnt to be more organized. Most astonishing was how easy it was to ma ke friends during course. Since beginning of the first ter m to now, I have passed eve ry test. I have a better understanding of the math’s problems we’ve practiced. I ha ve friends who help on the weekends with my studie s. I really enjoy Wednesdays, especially during term 2 because we are going rock clim bing and that in itself will be a challenge for me. I’ve only realized recently ho w I’ve underappreciated my family and friends. If didn’t have their support I really dou bt I would have continued wi th this course. I hope I pass this course and am there to receive my certificate at the end of the year. And make everyone proud of suppor ting me, as they do.

Bobby-Jo Thomas

Clubs

Supporting young people and their families CLUB supports young people and their families in partnership with whānau, neighbourhoods and other organisations. The core business is to affect positive change in the lives of young people and their whanau. It’s also about young people being involved and having a say in decisions that affect them, their family, their community and their country and putting into practice and reviewing those decisions. It is based on the understanding that Tokoroa already has a wide range of resources and opportunities available to contribute to supporting young people. The task is to release and apply those resources in a way that gets the greatest results and generates the most opportunities.

CLUB weekly mentoring programmes involve a range of fun activities where workers role model a positive lifestyle and develop healthy relationships with young people. We are committed to helping young people gain the knowledge they need to break cycles of abuse, poverty, gang involvement and poor educational achievement and skills to work towards a healthy transition into adulthood. Many would say that in teenage years it is about having more excitement, from looking toward the future, from planning possibilities and making them real. We aim to engage and encourage young people to aspire to be great, and provide them support so they can develop and achieve. We have 19 Adult mentors/volunteers and 44 of our young people working together to date. This programme is offered to young people aged 1317yrs. Young people are referred through whanau, peers and schools. Club is held every Tuesday at 5.30pm-8.30pm, we pick up and drop off. Door to door service.

The programmes provided by CLUB operate to an indigenous model practice designed to enable our Rangatahi and whanau to participate in communities that value one another.

CLUBster

aw a Makaia Riki-Te Kan10 ths oing yr Energetic and outg Ngati Maniapoto

and e a small community I LOVE Tokoroa! We ar new a see ed! I would like to everyone get’s involv ve ha d youth to hangout an place in Tokoroa for ING! CIT rds REALLY REALLY EX events. CLUB in 3 wo rn about et new people and lea At CLUB you get to me h and it’s all about the yout them. It’s cool, finally , we dly ien fr d yone is kind an we have a voice. Ever feel ers mb me l accepted. New come together and fee UB CL out. I would like to see included and not left coming s. I can see myself be around for many year piration you just need lit tle ins a mentor. Sometimes azing remind you of how am and encouragement to ! is where it’s at life can truly be. CLUB

Any enquires please contact Aroha Riki-Hamana on Youth Hotline 027 243 8058 | club@raukawa.org.nz | Facebook CLUB

CLUBster

Hannah Farrar YR10 THS

are a small caring TOKOROA is MEAN! we re e to see Youth have mo community. I would lik CL . UB in at happens in Tokoroa CONTRIBUTION in wh ialising AWESOME! I enjoy soc 3 words VERY VERY e ce to do that. I like th and CLUB is a safe pla here we what we are doing...w suspense, don’t know much Getting together is so are going that’s kool. g every d to new people joinin fun and I look forwar e most of open up and make th week. CLUB helps you UB in the e to be involved in CL your time! I would lik ive media g myself in the creat next 4 years and plu might ssible for your life, it side. Real change is po e right smallest change in th seem impossible. The ur life. huge difference in yo direction can make a ! CLUB is where it’s at

FREEDOM ROAD:

A Journey like no other

A trip down Freedom Road is a journey like no other. It’s a place where you can be yourself and a chance to make a difference within you and towards others.

Freedom Road was established by Natasha Wehipeihana. Why? because of past experiences she had growing up, and that she saw a need to provide the youth of Tokoroa with the right tools, skills and mind-set to be able to speak out and ask for help. Freedom Road isn’t a place where people sob over your problems and bring you down by pretending to know how you feel but is a place where they encourage you to be strong and gives you the chance to look at things from a different prospective. In Freedom Road we have an activity based on the American T.V show “If you really knew me” this activity allows the youth to open up to other youth and just talk about whatever it is that is on their mind. Personally I found the activity overwhelming, listening to what other youth had to say as well as sharing my own experience was awesome. Freedom Road has many attributes to it, for instance doing fun and exciting activities every Wednesday for those rangatahi and mentors who are available, as well as the toast for change as part of the graduation also based on a film, “The Freedom Writers.” Freedom Road gives youth the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and actually feel comfortable doing so.

Malcolm Paulo a mentor for Freedom Road was unsure about what he was going into, but after attending the first workshop it was exactly what he thought it would be like. “Having the opportunity to meet and greet new people was exciting, as well as being able to help out where I was needed was awesome.” Malcolm says. Freedom Road has opened doors to many of us. Personally being a part of Freedom Road has inspired me to go further with helping the youth to do good in their life, that is why when and after I finish school I want to be a social worker so I can For m do more for the youth. ore

infor

ata a Ema Freedom Road all round has been il: fre sha We tion con tact edom hipeih amazing, I’ve learnt how to cope in : Ph: 0 road@ ana various situations as well as been ymc 27 2 a. 95 4 given the chance to sit in on a suicide 063 org.nz convention that showed the statistics of not only the Tokoroa suicide rate but also from all over the world that itself was an awesome opportunity I’ll never forget. Article by Rebecca Hoani

me m a r g o r p y a d li o h y a Breakaw

ogra mme held in ort influenced pr sp a is y s of age. wa ka ea Br een 11 and 17 ye ar tw be ed ag h ut yo Tokoroa for e school holidays activities to do in th ol ho sc e th g rin living and to Breakaway is held du to educate healthy e er lopment. wh wn to t their personal deve or pp holidays in and out of su ople with fun, le it provides young pe er 1,000 young peop Since June 2011, ov ctured activities. ru y st d wa ka ea Br CA YM stimulating an e rticipated in th pa ve ha g un sign to give yo n Programme. The programme is de Sports and Recreatio g tin ula im st d an ive people construct

Polinetia fa’atasi Polinetia Fa’atasi, of Forest View High School, is the 2011 regional secondary school champions of Polynesian dance. Polinetia Fa’atasi means’ Polynesia together as one’. It is with this philosophy that head tutor Aaron Mutua and the school community have gained success and support both on and off the stage. The group has literally gathered together representatives from across our diverse South Waikato community, into one big happy family. They have welcomed Foreign exchange students from, Japan, South America and Belgium into their circle, and prepared them to confidently compete and perform at community events and competitions. This group has and continues to be wonderful ambassadors of our proud South Waikato community. The groups many escapades have seen them perform at venues around New Zealand and across the ocean in Australia and Hawaii. They also featured on national television in 2010 and 2011. This performing arts group teaches students the traditional dance and language of the Pacific Islands, including the Cook Islands, Samoa, Hawaii, Tahiti, and Aotearoa However, Polinetia Fa’atasi is more than just about dance and trips overseas, Mr Mutua uses it as a vehicles to encourage and teach each student the importance of succeeding in all areas of their lives, especially academically. All students must follow all school full guidelines, such as keeping their attendance in class over 90%, and following the schools R.A.P values of Respectful Relationships, They must Aim to achieve and Positively Participate in all areas of school life in order for them to remain a performing member of the group. With the groups philosophy of coming together coupled with the expectation to perform in all areas of their lives , the group has seen a great percentage of their students go on to tertiary education, and training. Students have also held leadership roles on the South Waikato youth council, and the Taupo electorate. It is rumoured that next year the group is looking at travelling further abroad to our poly cousins in Dubai. I might just have to cover that story personally ,so watch this spot for further updates. Article by Corben Brown

Soulfood

— a bit of advice from da big bro!

Do you have any questions about God, Soul, Music, Life stuff you want answers about? A big brother’s job is to lend an ear, give some advice, tell us off if we’re being a bit of an egg and to be STRAIGHT-UP. Hear what our Big Bro Arios has to say....

Q: “I feel really down and out like life is sh*t, how can I help myself to get outta this place?” If you’re feeling that way it’s often cos you don’t have anything to aspire to, no sense of direction or purpose in life. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen, join a spiritfilled church or youth group. There are counsellors/youth mentors there you can talk to. Also find a hobby, sports, music anything you could enjoy to bring a sense of achievement into your life.

Q: “My boyfriend dumped me cos he said his mates thought I was too fat, now I feel like crap. How do I recover from this and still love myself? cos now I feel ugly...” If a person treats you that way it has very little to do with you, it shows more about the other person and that they are immature. They are weak for letting others influence their decision even though it might go against everything they believe. A relationship with a person who isn’t able to stand strong in what they believe; is a relationship destined to fail, so remember, you are beautiful, he just wasn’t man enough.

Q: “Stuff sometimes seems impossible, I have big dreams to do amazing things, but no one here at home believes in me, if they won’t who will?” Alot of the most successful people in the world today grew up with a foundation in God. Beyonce, Justin Beiber, Mariah Carey for example, they started off ordinary people but with their faith in God and hardwork and persistence they achieved great things. Surround yourself with good people, from church, youth workers, or youth groups. You ask who will believe in you? God will. All things are possible through Him.

Q: “school is sucking hardout for me, I can’t understand much of it and I just feel dumb, did God make some people super brainy and others like me dumb?” I think we all learn and perceive things in a different way, so some things we may be good at and others aren’t so good at those things and vice versa. Einstein was considered dumb by his maths teacher and was told he’d never amount to anything and then he went on to achieve great things-he is responsible for the theory of relativity.

Q: “Ya know celebrating Mothers Day is always hard for me cos my mum past away and I always get angry at God cos of it. Why does God take things away from us that we need?” When God takes something away from you he always gives something back. When I was 16 I started losing my eye sight and by the time I was 18 I had lost 75% of my vision and I blamed God. But then i came to realise later on that when God takes something away, what He gives back is just as great. I was blessed with many musical gifts, despite my blindness. Also my friend lost his father aye and blamed God hardout, but now that he is a father himself he appreciates and sees his own t from God. He said to me, if he hadn’t have lost his father he wouldn’t have fully appreciated fatherhood and his own children as much as he does.

got u o y e Hav ions for quest Bro? Da Big

Email: dabigbro@raukawa.org.nz 9

Youth Achievements Bailey McIntosh Bailey has been racing karts for about 8 years. She has gained podium finishes in point’s series in Tokoroa and Bay of Plenty for the past 7 years. As of 2011 she is the fastest female racer in NZ. She won a trophy for winning Te Puke points series a week after being discharged from hospital. In the future Bailey wishes to continue karting throughout University and even race overseas; her ultimate dream being to race in Italy or Spain.

Chey Riki-Hamana Chey believes his success has been tribute to the whanau, teachers, coaches and friends that believed in him. Tokoroa is an awesome place where he has been fortunate to have had plenty opportunities. I wouldn’t have got far in my sport and education if people didn’t take me under their wing and surround me with other talented people. The support has been a major motivator for me and I am always grateful.

Sarah Young NZ European. Sarah won the Dunstan National Junior Rider Championship at the end of February this year on a horse called Oakley Vision, who was owned by a 2012 Olympic prospect Clarke Johnstone. The discipline of the event is called eventing which involves 3 phases, the dressage, and show jumping and cross country. Sarah was lying 2nd after dressage and show jumping and finished on a clean sheet adding no more to her dressage score to take the win. In the next couple of years Sarah wishes to progress to young rider level and in the distant future, would like to represent New Zealand. 10

Makaia Riki-Te Kanawa 2012 Tainui Waka Un 15 Netball Team, Mid Island Athletics Junior Girl Champion for Shot Put and Javelin, North Island Champ for Javelin and Runner Up for Shot Put. Off to National Athletic Champs in Dunedin in December

Leith McCloskey Competed in the NZ street art competition in Nelson. He was the youngest competitor and the only one to do graffiti style writing. He made it into the finals and sold his work for $150. His dream for the future is to become a tattoo artist or get into graffiti art.

Luana Karl Luana has been singing country music for a while now and has had many successes. She recently won Intermediate female solo, intermediate gospel and Intermediate overall. This leads her into competing in NZ Country Music Entertainer of the Year. Her future goals are to win overall Entertainer of the Year, to keep singing and expand her skills by learning to play more instruments.

Anton Milnes Anton Milnes will be competing for the National Light Weight Belt in Mix Martial Arts on June 16.

REGAN WARE • NZ MAORI • 1XV Hamilton Boys’ High Captain • NZ Secondary Dream Team • NZ Secondary School Rugby • SANIX World Youth Champions 2010-11 NZ UN17’s Rugby Development Waikato UN18 Chiefs Regan has had many achievements only other boys could dream for, but encourages them not to give up. If you have the passion, commitment and determination to train hard you will get there. Regan attended Tokoroa Central primary school and Tokoroa Intermediate. The family would like to thank the Tokoroa community for all their support. We look forward to seeing Regan and his future endeavours.

Danni-Jane Umaki 2012 Tainui Waka Un 15 Netball Team and Captain, and named in Tournament Team at Maori National Tournament held in Rotorua Easter this year. Part of Waikato Secondary School Development Squad.

Dionne Treadaway Mid-Island and North Island Athletics champ for 100m & 200m Sprints. Off to Nationals in December also.

Something for the parents:

Can we have an honest korero about our

School Ball season is just around the corner and a good honest conversation has to be had about how we can encourage our kids to make good decisions for themselves. All you have to do is read the newspapers or turn on the TV and you’ll be hearing this being said about our rangatahi “Youth drinking is on the increase and there are ongoing issues around supply and consumption of alcohol and how this may be impacting on them.”

We as adults need to take off our rose-coloured spectacles, consider our own experiences and talk realistically and openly with our kids about how to keep safe. And let’s be honest, when it comes to parties with alcohol, many parents have been pressured into no longer asking where their kids are or if there’ll be any adults present. Many have also been persuaded that it’s their obligation to supply alcohol on demand “because everyone else does”. But there are things we can do to help our kids-here’s some strategies: Face saving code words, planning rides, sticking together, check in times, and plans for if things go

Alcohol Awareness Week: 18-23 June

? l o h o c l a d n rangatahi a wrong can all be handy. If hosting a party, discuss rules around supervision, amounts of alcohol, food and transport and of course – plan for the unexpected – like gatecrashers! And hey – have you thought about talking to the other parents? You might be surprised what they really think. Even if your child is not attending a ball or a party maybe talking about the need for such strategies is a chance to open a dialogue about alcohol. ALAC have an awesome resource for parents called Alcohol, Your Kids, and You – a guide for parents. Get a hold of one by calling 0508 258258. Think about what you want for your kids and keep them safe. While they may be senior students they are still young and it’s your job to protect them – not just provide them the means to cause harm and step out of the way. Kia kaha! Other useful phone numbers: PH: (07) 886 0010 Akarere Henry– Tokoroa Youth Drug and Alcohol Community Action Group PH: 0800 787 797 Alcohol Drug Hotline Some text sourced from press release entitled “Dropping the Ball?”

LAUNCHES 23 MAY If it takes ‘a village to raise a child’, why are so many young people feeling like they don’t have a community of people surrounding them, encouraging them, connecting, challenging, shaping and moulding them? A youth hub was something that Tokoroa said it wanted to see available for it’s young people. After a 3 month consultation round, an extensive youth survey, guidance from the Ministry of Youth Development and conversations shared around the table, there were some major points made about what would ‘fit the need” in the Tokoroa ‘youth space’. There were some strong comments made, such as the need for us to invest money in high calibre youth workers/services, mentors and programmes and not into a building. The space would also have to have ‘universal appeal’ and be open for all youth from all backgrounds to access at key times and hours of the day when youth need to be engaged. A 52-page report on the aspirations and needs of Tokoroa Youth was released in 2011 and young people’s comments from this highlighted three major themes-young people wanted a safe place to go, fun and creative things to do and to be around people who could encourage them. With our young people’s comments in mind, the Tokoroa Youth Hub Community Action Group was formed and through a process of having key people on board and key conversations it was pitched that ‘putting our eggs into one basket’ wasn’t the best way forward for this town, in other words building a youth centre was not going to answer the real heart cry of our young people and deal to key youth development issues. Instead, on the 11th of March the My Village Youth-Hub Concept was born. Not one, but nine youth hubs and youth friendly spaces uniting (by way of a memorandum of understanding) and a common goal to support all of our young people and to step up to the plate as an entire town to take responsibility to mentor, engage and encourage our young people. So this is the genealogy of “My Village-A Streetmap for Life” and like most genealogy it’s ever growing and ever increasing...so watch this space!

Article by Jade Hohaia

A street map for life Our young people are asking? “so... where is my village?” Together we’ve developed this grass-roots support structure for positive youth development which hinges on 6 basic principles: 1. 2. 3. 4.

The importance of connectivity: Being able to connect with people. The power of choice: Having a huge variety of places for young people to choose from. The excitement of belonging: A Chance to discover where your place is & find out who your people are. The freedom of self-expression: Being able to express oneself through a variety of mediums: art, music, sport and media. 5. The joy of creating: Making, building, designing things that take on their own sense of life. 6. Access to positive role-models: Having the opportunity to be encouraged by inspirational people. Music Media Hub – TWOA 71 Ashworth St

Tokoroa Cinema 34 Logan St Tokoroa Skate Park Logan St,Tokoroa

Mixed Martial Arts 71 Ashworth St

Youth Services 121 Bridge Street

South Waikato Indoor Pools Roslin Street

Q Masters 56 Bridge Street

Tokoroa Youth Park Roslin Street YMCA Stadium Princess Beatrix Ave

a o r o k o T

SWPICS 1 Maraetai Rd

Tokoroa Youth Media & Music Centre [in assoc with Te Wananga o Aotearoa] Aroha Riki-Hamana Ph: 027 243 8058

YMCA-Stadium [Breakaway Youth Programmes] Wendy Jollie Ph: 07 886 8737

121 Bridge St [Tokoroa Youth Action Team for all youth info] Jade Hohaia Ph: 027 577 7706

TMMA-Mixed Martial Arts [Alternative Training in assoc with Syndakit] Maka Kea Ph: 027 859 2500

SWPICS [A place to nurture culture, faith and family] Akarere Henry Ph: 07 886 0010

Q Masters [Down town Bridge Street-Games Galore] Wendy Cook Ph: 07 886 8869

South Waikato Indoor Pools [Fun for all the family] Richard Gabby Ph: 07 885 0795

Tokoroa Cinemas [Movies & entertainment] Shanda Nand Ph: 07 886 1532

Tokoroa Skate Park and Youth Park

ort

roup — Rep G nance r ve o

Along with five other towns, Tokoroa is going to set a new way of serving the youth of our country Along with Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Kawerau, Levin and Gore, Tokoroa has been selected to set the youth scene for New Zealand. Raukawa Charitable Trust was selected as the Social Sector Trials provider and Jade Hohaia became the Youth Services provider (and what a great choice that was) Helping Jade, a Governance committee was set up with Raukawa, Council, Community representatives and representatives from the five Government Departments (as representatives of the Ministers of Education, Justice, Social Development, Health, Police). A brand new and brave approach from the Government. It is exciting to see Government departments being all enthusiastic about a project and collaborating with each other and the Community. The Youth Trials were given four outcomes to work on like Truancy, youth offending, employment but our Governance group has the overriding objective of “Raising the level of inspiration and supporting Tokoroa youth to become all that they can be” As Chair of the Governance group I am well aware of the talents, the vitality, and the skills that ort youth have and given the opportunity can shape not only their own future but the future. Of our District. Education is the gate way to the future so school attendance is vital. An important part of the youth trials is for us older ones to put together a support system so that our youth can flourish and fulfil their potential. It most certainly isn’t us telling them what to do and that is the exciting part of the programme. A Youth magazine, youth hubs, a music hub, possibly a theatre hub, how the Sports and events centre be used all on their agenda for the imagination of youth as it takes our District forward. If this takes place then the outcomes set by those in Government will be achieved almost as a by product What a challenge but what a community that can rise to the challenge and meet it. We are that community 14

Article by His Worship the Mayor Neil Sinclair

Ngere ‘Nelly’John An Interview with Ngere John by Jade Hohaia (Tokoroa Youth Services Manager). Ngere, you’re awesome! Hey can we ask you a few questions? “Sure, go ahead”. So yeh, what do you fink of all da young people that walk through the door at the youth centre? “Working with youth is my passion, the kids from Putaruru and Tok are just awesome! I grew up with younger cousins in Raro and we always got along. THEY inspire me so much.” Coolness. So Ngere what’s your nickname? “Everyone just calls me Nelly”. What’s your Fav food? “I love Island food and seafood”. What’s your fav movie? “I Love Transformers!” What’s your ethnicity? “I’m CI Maori/French Polynesian, Hawaiian and Italian”. What’s your favourite quote? “Be faithful with the little things then you’ll be given responsibility for greater things”. What’s you perfect day? “At the beach, snorking, scuba diving or surfing”. Why do you love Putaruru? “Cos it’s an awesome community, it’s quiet, in the country, it’s beautiful and so are the people.” Ooosh! Thanks for your time Ngere! How can people get in contact with you? “text me 021-373-722 or email: putaruruym@xtra.co.nz”

SOUTH WAIKATO HIGH SCHOOLS ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION CONSORTIUM The Alternative Education Centre ‘Tautoko’ was established and funded by Forest View High School and Tokoroa High School in 1996 as a need had been identified by the schools for students who were unable to function positively within the mainstream education system. In 2000 the Ministry of Education began funding the 1820 alternative education places throughout New Zealand including Tautoko. Around that time ‘Tautoko Education Centre’ became ‘The South Waikato High Schools Alternative Education Consortium’ as Putaruru High School and Mangakino Area School became part of the consortium. The aim of our Centre is to provide academic and health orientated education as well as to build life skills, self esteem and confidence so that those students can rise above adversity to take on employment and/ or further training opportunities that present themselves.

From 1996 to now this Centre has helped over 500 + students try and achieve their aims and goals and hopefully made positive changes within their lives. Students are referred by their High School or by other agencies if they are not from the South Waikato. The age criteria is 13 years old or in year 9 and have to leave on their 16th birthday unless otherwise negotiated.

HG Clark Alternative Education Manager 31 Campbell Street, Tokoroa, PO BOX 418, TOKOROA Hugh Clark Co-ordinator/Programme Manager; Ph/Fax. (07) 886 5520, Ph. (027) 270 3844; Host School Forest View High School; PO Box 644 Tokoroa, Ph. (07) 886 5219

e g a r u o C , t n e m t i m p i m h s Co e d a r m o C d n a

l o o h Sc h g i H a o r y m e Toko d a Ac e c i v r l e S Schoo h g i H Quote roa Service academies are military-focused programmes delivered within schools aim to encourage students to stay engaged in learning by providing a motivating and disciplined programme and to help students to gain improved qualifications and help them prepare to move successfully in to the workforce or further education and training.

Toko demy a Ac e c Servi

ind m r u â&#x20AC;&#x153;If yo am it and re d n a c can t r a he n e your h t t ve i e i l e b an c u o y I know it.â&#x20AC;? ve achie

ys: a s b o B e l c Un

WHY?

B’cos yr past can affect your future and attitude determines altitude, perseverance determines success. Begin now 2 reach 4 da stars, da stars will b closer 2 reach each day u hav accomplished yr day 2 day goals.

It’s not okay to miss a day, because at the end of the day you’ll have no pay! – Dougy Peltey

It’s not okay to miss a day, because the leaders of 2mo start 2day! – Justus Riki-Hamana

It’s not okay to miss a day, because if u want da gud pay u got 2 studaay. – Uncle Shilo

It’s not okay to miss a day, because you may lose your way. – Gaylene (TWOA)

It’s not okay to miss a day becoz missing days is 4 fools, stay in school and prove 2 others u aint no fool. – Marcus Ahsin (Youth Hub DJ)

It’s not okay to miss a day don’t let anything get in your way, Kia Kaha. Stay. – Blair Gilbert Regional Manager Ministry of youth Development

It’s not okay to miss a day cos ur girlfriend might find another man. – Doug Petley

It’s not okay to miss a day cos every day is a step closer to making the impossible dream possible. – Awhina (Maori Youth Worker and kapahaka tutor)

It’s not okay to miss a day because that one missed day could be the day that changes your life at school forever, that one subject that opens your eyes and paves the rest of your future. Kia Kaha i nga wa katoa. – Aunty Kahu.

It’s not okay to miss a day because your future depends on it – Ngaroma Reti (Youth Advocate)

It’s not okay to miss a day, because you’ll lose your confidence along the way. – Kuini from Tautoko

It’s not okay to miss a day because in the end it’s up to you to make the right choices and if u don’t get all the knowledge u possibly can b4 u make those choices, then no one can predict the outcome that will be ur life. – Joycelia

M a k ing the most of eac h day w e h ave to le a rn is a mess age w e wa nn a hit h ome to the c ommunit y, parents, ou r youth and whanau. Th Truancy (Wa e gging) Awar eness Week is coming up on the 23rd -29th June Wanna get in volved text /c all Ngaroma Reti (Youth ad vocate assist ing 16 & 17 year olds into education, Tr aining and Employment) Ph: 027 513 63 33 Email: ngar om a@ tcoss.co.n z Making the m os t of each da y we have to lear n is a mes sage we wan na hit home to the commun it y, parents, our youth and w hanau. The Tr uancy (Wagging) Awar eness W eek is coming up on the 23rd-29th Ju ne. Wanna get in volved text /c all Ngaroma Reti (Youth ad vocate assist ing 16 & 17 year olds into education, Tr aining and Employment) Ph: 027 513 63 33 Email: ngar om a@ tcoss.co.n z 17

NgĀ Taonga

Maori Traditional Games Traditional Māori games are gaining great momentum around the country, and one of such games is Kī o Rahi. KC Maaka is a nutrition and physical health promoter for tamariki and Rangatahi specifically in Māori traditional games, Ngā Taonga Tākaro, within the Raukawa rohe. Nicole Tairi works with tamariki and rangatahi with high needs and is a physical activity promoter. The pair work alongside each other promoting one of the fastest growing ‘revitalised’ sports in New Zealand known as ‘Ki-o-Rahi’. 18

TĀkaro

Māori traditional games have been played since the arrival of waka to the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand around the motu and from that time to now the game of Ki-o-Rahi was put together. Ki-o-Rahi originates from the Māori legend of Rahi Tutakahina. Ki-o-Rahi can be described as a mix of games made up of Touch, Rugby and Netball played on a circular field averaging the size of half a rugby filed with a team of seven to ten players. There are three different levels of Ki-o-Rahi first beginning at Primary and Intermediate touch Ki-o-Rahi, followed to Secondary ‘rippa tag’ Ki-o-Rahi and finally full contact Ki-o-Rahi known as ‘Nonoke’. Since 2010 KC and Nicole have been promoting and educating the game of Ki-o-Rahi within 25 of the Primary and Intermediate schools around the Raukawa rohe, and early this year have extended their knowledge of the game to another nine schools where the game is being well received by all. The challenge and the aim for these two women is to create a strong foundation of the game at Primary and Intermediate school and push it through to Secondary school. Tamariki who have been taught the game of Ki-o-Rahi at this beginners level know the purpose and rules of Ki-o-Rahi, and come Secondary school the once tamariki are well experienced in Ki-o-Rahi can now promote and educate the game to see it grow. Ki-o-Rahi has also been introduced and taught in many community organisations and groups such as the YMCA Breakaway Holiday programme, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints youth group, Marae holiday programmes and the ‘Clubs’ mentoring group who have taken part in Ki-oRahi. Clubs will be seen as keeping the drive of the game to gain popularity and in the future will help mentor the game as a bridge between KC and Nicole and Rangatahi. During the Raukawa 25th Anniversary Celebrations held at the end of March a National Ki-o-Rahi Championship game took place between the KAI Wahine and Nafanua o Samoa KOR. The game was very intense with a lot of blows however at the overall winner at the end of the day was Nafanua o Samoa.

For more information on Ki-o-Rahi contact KC Maaka: KC.maaka@raukawa.org.nz or Nicole Tairi: Nicole.tairi@raukawa.org.nz 19

Raukawa Charitable Trust Health Services

South Waikato Pacific Island Community Services

Family Start

Pacific Island Sexual and Reproductive Health

Child Centred, Strength based and family focussed programme, Free, non-crisis and confidential service. Offer support, advocacy, networking, facilitation and deliver Ahuru Mowai child development programme.

Tamariki / Rangatahi with High Needs Our service captures the age groups from 6yrs – 24yrs. Our service aims to improve outcomes for Tamariki & Rangatahi and or Whanau, whom require assistance to access a range of health and disability support services.

Tamariki Ora Well Child Services For ages 6 weeks to 5 years Clinical checks for all babies and pre-school children. Service also provides growth and development assessments, health education and promotion, whanau support and advocacy.

Drug and Alcohol Counselling Service Drug and Alcohol Counselling and Assessments. Drug Alcohol and Violence Education Programmes.

Sexual Health Service for under 25’s Provide free contraception service for under 25 year olds, which is provided through the GP’s and chemists. Provide comprehensive educational programmes on sexual health to school groups, organisations and whanau.

Youth Mental Health A service that addresses isues that may hinder youth in their personal development and growth, we also provide life skill training that will enable the young people to cope and take responsibility for their lives and actions. 20

Pacific Islanders aged 12 – 25 within the Intermediates High Schools and Alternative Education Services.

Team Energize – Contact – Taki Moana To improve child health in the Waikato by increasing physical activity levels in children and improving their nutrition in primary Schools.

Pacific Well Child Healthy Lifestyles Well child services are offered to all children between the ages of 0 – 5 years of age. The service provides Growth and development checks, breastfeeding support, parent support, advocacy, ante-natal classes, and home visits. The service is free and delivered by Trained Professionals.

Youth Mental Health Children and young people aged 0-19 who are experiencing significant impacts in their life because of mental health and / or alcohol or drug issues. Specialising in supporting our Pacific youth but open to everyone in the community.

youth Services YMCA Empowering young people. Programmes based on recreation activities around the local community – getting active, learning different skills, meeting new people, working on communication, sharing and organisational and leadership skills. Lunch is provided each day.

Tokoroa Council of Social Services Community Owned – Community Driven Tokoroa Council of Social Services (TCOSS) continues to assist Community groups with ongoing education, information, support, networking and promotion. As the organisation has expanded and grown TCOSS are now able to offer a far wider range of services to agencies and consumers

Salvation Army Social Services The Salvation Army have many social services available to the community. One of these service are for our Youth & Children. Tokoroa Corps runs various programmes for youth and children. These include a Junior Soldiers group and a Kids Club

WDHB – Ear Nurse Free Children’s Ear Clinic at the Outpatients Department Tokoroa Hospital for children zero through school-age

Worked Based Training – South Waikato Work Based training gives people the opportunity to gain the skills and hands on experience needed to obtain employment by being placed in the workplace for their training and therefore helps them get their ‘foot in the door’.

Care New Zealand CareNZ is the delivery arm of NSAD (The New Zealand Society on Alcohol and Drug Dependence) – a charitable foundation which has been involved in alcohol and drug treatment policy and delivery in New Zealand since 1954.

Tokoroa Bluelight Ventures Inc Blue Light is a registered charity and community policing youth program that for the past 29 years has run programs and activities for youth throughout New Zealand free from drugs, alcohol and violence working closely with the New Zealand Police to - Reduce youth crime, Build community partnerships, Build young people’s self-esteem, Enhance community safety, and Build positive youth and police partnerships.

Plunket Society Plunket is the largest provider of free support services for the development, health and wellbeing of children under five in New Zealand. Plunket nurses are registered nurses with a speciality qualification in Well Child/Tamariki Ora nursing. Plunket kaiāwhina and community karitane (including Māori and Pacific health workers) are educated in a wide range of parenting and health issues to give extra support to family and whānau.

Pa Harakeke – Teen Parenting Unit Pa Harakeke is a learning facility to ensure student who are pregnant and/or parenting teens have a positive and nurturing environment to complete their Secondary school education

Child, Youth and Family Child, Youth and Family want to work with you to help protect, support and care for your children. Together we can help our children be safe, strong and thrive. Child, Youth and Family are committed to providing excellent service for families, the children and young people that they work with. 21

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Across

quick quiz

1. Capital of Lithuania (7) 4. Islands, St Kitts and _____ (5) 7. Capital of Morocco (5) 9. Texas city (7) 11. Canadian Province (7 ) 12. South Pacific Island (6) 14. City on the French Riviera; site of an annual film festival (6) 19. Atlanta is the state capital (7) 21. City on Lake Eire (7) 22. The Iongest French river (5) 23. City on the Nile (5) 24. City in north-west Africa and ancient Mediterranean port (7) Down 1. A state in New England (7) 2. Tripoli is the capital (5) 3. The word’s largest desert (6) 5. Independent state within Rome, _______ City (7) 6. Egyptian desert (5) 8. Asian country in the Himalayas (5)

1. W hich Increa singly Popular W inter Spor t Was Introduced As An Of ficial Event At The 1998 Games? 2. W hich German Golfer Won The Us Masters In 1993? 3. W ho Did John McEnroe Play 3 Ti mes In The Wimbledon Mens Final? 4. W hat’s the pr oper name of a Te xas Wedge golf club? 5. In 1981 “Sue Brown” Became The First Woman Compete In W ha To t Spor ting Event? 6. W ho was the only woman to w in an athletics go medal for Britain ld in the 1992 Barc elona Olympics? 7. In 1999 who was voted PFA pl ayer of the year ? 8. W hat To The Initials PU Signify In The Form Guid Of A Racehorse? e 9. W ho 2 Membe rs Of The Englan d Football Team Missed Penalties Against Portugal In Euro 2004? (PFE)? 10. W hich Swimm ing Stroke Is The First Leg Of The Medley Relay Ra ce?

10. Country, initially(3) Answers:

1. Snow Boardin g

2. Benhard Lang

3. Bjorn Borg

4. Putter

5. The Boat Race

20. Northern Territory town in central Australia, _____ Springs (5)

6. Sally Gunnell

19. State of southwestern India (3)

7. David Ginola

18. Capital of Afghanistan (5)

& Darius Vassell

17. Capital of Colombia (6)

8. Pulled Up

16. Popular beach on Australia’s Gold Coast, _______ Paradise (7)

9. David Beckham

15. The world’s highest waterfall, _____ Falls (5)

10. Backstroke

13. Capital of Nova Scotia (7)

YOUR STORY BEGINS HERE

YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS...

Starts at Waiariki Institute of Technology, with courses designed to put YOU in the driver’s seat!

• Courses that are meeting industry demands today and tomorrow • Regional focus with an eye on the international scene • Degrees, diplomas and certicates • Hands-on, vocational training • Real-life experiences in the eld • Online and distance learning options Where are YOU going? 0800 924 274 www.waiariki.ac.nz

TAKE THE FIRST STEP...

d i rect o ry May

• May 19 – 27 Youth Week: Love the Skin You’re in • May 23 Launch of the Tokoroa Youth Media and Music Hub

June

• June 18th – 23rd Drug and Alcohol Week • June 22nd – 29th Truancy Week

July

• July 23 – 29 Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Theme: Arohatia te Reo – Cherish the Language

Raukawa Charitable Trust Health Services 0800 RAUKAWA [0800 728 5292] 07 885 0260 South Waikato Pacific Island Community Services Inc – SWPICS 07 886 0010 Tokoroa Council of Social Services 07 886 8277 ext 721 Tokoroa Police Station 07 885 0100 Tokoroa Bluelight Ventures Inc 07 885 0108

Tokoroa Community Link 07 886 9145 Child, Youth and Family Services 07 901 8208 Waikato District Health Board Ear Nurse 07 886 7239 Salvation Army Social Services 07 886 9812 Care New Zealand 07 886 8277 YMCA 07 886 8737

Tokoroa Cinema 07 886 1532 Worked Based Training – South Waikato 07 886 9826 Te Wananga o Aotearoa 07 885 0026 Waiariki 07 885 0200 Teen Parenting Unit 07 886 6109 ext 741 South Waikato District Council 07 885 0340