As summer temperatures soared in Hawke’s Bay so did the excitement and enjoyment levels among those experiencing the Te Taitimu Trust Big Camp.
Te Taitimu Trust is a Māori non-profit organisation based in the Hastings area. It runs wānanga with tamariki and rangatahi, with the aim of engaging with the hearts and minds of rangatahi, motivating them to become rangatira for the future.
The Trust was created after trust founder and CEO Zack Makoare lost his son Kelly to suicide in 2000. The original intent of the trust’s work was suicide prevention, but it has branched out to include life skills.
Sergeant John 'JT' Tangaere
shared his waka ama skills.
The youth camp, which Police has been involved in for 14 years, was this year based in Central Hawke’s Bay at Ranui Farm Park and hosted by the Ennor whānau. The kaupapa is centred on wellness and connectivity, with this year’s theme word being kindness.
Zack says the annual camp provides an opportunity to engage whānau and assist tamariki and rangatahi to learn leadership skills that will help them become contributing citizens to their communities.
The young people learn skills such as water safety, rafting, swimming, kapa haka, art and sports.
Hawke’s Bay Field Training Sergeant Greg Macklow and a number of staff helped out at the camp.
Greg says with a focus on promoting wellbeing and positive futures for all participants it never ceases to amaze him watching “the magic” unfold.
“Seeing one young man dealing with some serious issues transform his mood and persona for the better over the week brought smiles to my and Zack’s faces,” says Greg.
“It was also heartening to see the emergence of new leaders this year who had been followers in the rōpū (group) in years gone by.”
Constable Melissa McMillan got
into the spirit of the camp.
A hīkoi to Te Pā Horehore near Takapau was a great wananga lead by local matua JB Heperi-Smith, who delivered numerous historical and whakapapa kōrero that captivated the group.
Greg says focussing on the potential of participants is key and manākitanga and positive values and ideals are spread through all activities and interactions.
“Police from various workgroups role model our values and by living alongside participants over the week-long camp, and in many cases over the years, positive relationships have developed. Now several of the rangatahi have expressed interest in joining the police ranks to help their whānau and communities,” says Greg.
Constable Melissa McMillian was a huge hit as a mentor, while Sergeant John “JT” Tangaere who has great mana as a man and a police officer and an authority in Māoritanga, also offered his expertise in waka am.
Iwi Liaison Officers Sergeant Phil Rowden and Constable James Waapu continued to grow their relationships with the participants and their whanau, taking every opportunity to break down any barriers.
Due to COVID, this year’s camp numbers were lowered but Greg says not the enthusiasm to deliver a high-quality experience which draws not only on the events of the week, but the connections built in many cases over years.
“We aim each year to introduce new staff to the experience and it is such an uplifting time. Reciprocity at work putting in and taking out the goodness that comes from caring and sharing.” says Greg.