On 4 July, Independence Day is celebrated in America and in Taranaki it was the day the Blue Light Te Ara Tika Driver Licensing programme celebrated the independence of its newly licensed drivers.
An annual celebration is held by the programme to mark the success of those who have gained driver’s licences through the programme over the past 12 months.
The celebration was held at the War Memorial Hall in Stratford and was also an opportunity to acknowledge the programme’s volunteers, funders, and supporters.
South Taranaki Pouwhakataki (Iwi Liaison Officer) Sergeant Kayanna Holley helps run the programme, alongside local Blue Light Coordinators Craig Jackson and Leanne Richards, other volunteers and Police staff.
“Holding the celebration on Independence Day is symbolic of the participants gaining their independence by obtaining their licence,” says Kayanna.
“We always have an annual celebration to recognise everyone’s success and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved.
“The support for the programme from the community has seen it go from strength to strength – it really does take a village and we have seen this investment in the programme.”
Since the programme began in 2019, more than 140 young people have gained their licence through the programme. Of these, 81 have achieved their restricted or full licence and around 80 percent of those on a restricted or full licence have moved into employment or higher education.
Most of the remaining 20 percent are still in school or are parents of young children.
Sergeant Kayanna Holley, left, with the driver navigators and Blue Light Coordinators Leanne Richards and Craig Jackson (in the white and blue shirts) on the day of the celebration.
Programme referrals come through various channels, including through Blue Light, schools, Family Harm teams, Supported Resolutions, and partner agencies.
Several Police staff also support the programme, including Senior Constable Pip Joblin, and Constables Carly Taiaroa and Chloe Ashton.
“These results were also achieved with the support of our 11 volunteer driver navigators who take participants for regular driving practice in vehicles supplied by the programme,” says Kayanna.
“As well as obtaining a licence, the participants build a relationship with their driver navigator - so as well as learning how to drive safely, some life lessons and friendship are also shared, which is awesome to see.
“A lot of the young people have also become role models for their whānau – some of their parents haven’t got a licence or haven’t progressed to the next licence stage, so seeing this intergenerational change is fantastic."
For the O’Hanlon-Taputoro whānau of Stratford, it’s been a triple success with siblings Dolly, Trulin, and Xavier all experiencing the benefits of Blue Light.
They have successfully completed various courses run by Blue Light and achieved their licences - Dolly is now on her full licence and Trulin and Xavier are on restricted licences.
Dolly O’Hanlon-Taputoro and driver navigator Pat.
Dolly and Trulin are now working in Stratford and Xavier, who is still in school, has just returned from completing a six-week Limited Service Volunteer course with NZ Defence Force.
“It’s heart-warming to see the three O’Hanlon-Taputoro siblings go from success to success, and it’s all been made possible with their efforts, and the dedication and support from our volunteers and funders,” says Kayanna.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to share each one of their stories and see them flourish.”