New driving school leader

By Frank Neill

Nathan Wickens is the new Wainuiomata Driving School Co-ordinator for Youth Inspire.

Nathan, who is from Upper Hutt, began in his new role on 8 March.

Although this is his first job in Wainuiomata, he has worked in the valley before during his time as a park ranger with Greater Wellington Regional Council. That saw him work in the local park on occasions.

Nathan left being a park ranger to study urban pest control, and then joined Youth Inspire.

“I wanted to do something that was going to be of value,” he says.

“I’ve always enjoyed working with youth.

“We are helping to get our rangatahi to become qualified safe drivers, which is a positive for the Wainui community.

“We believe that there is a real link between getting your driver’s licence, and getting a job and getting into other successful things,.

“It’s also about showing the kids that someone cares for them,” Nathan says.

Youth Inspire’s Wainuiomata Driving School, called Road Ready Rangatahi, is for young people aged between 16 and 24 years

Each young person is teamed up with a mentor, who then provides two driving lessons every week for about three months. When they are ready, the young people then sit their driver’s licence test.

“One of our biggest problems is securing mentors,” Nathan says.

“They are like gold to this organisation.

“Without mentors we can’t run this programme.

“Currently we have five active mentors and we are looking for more.

“The mentors here are passionate about their community and want to give back to it,” Nathan says.

Mentors must be over 25 years old and have held a full licence for two years or longer.

They need to be a patient, confident driver and be able to give clear instructions.

Youth Inspire provides support for the mentors.

People can find out more about becoming a mentor by contacting Nathan at driving.wainui@youthinspire.co.nz or 022 650 2403.

University

Wellington

3,4,5 April 7.00pm

Wellington East Girls’ College Hall

131 Paterson St, Mt Victoria, Wellington

Book at iTicket.co.nz or Door Sales

Tickets: $14-$6

Enquiries: 04 384 1300 or 027 283 6016 W: sgcnz.org.nz