Te Aranui Youth Trust's (TAYT) Summer program receives a $15k boost

More than 20 at risk youth in the Western Bay of Plenty can be excited about this year’s Summer Holidays thanks to Te Aranui Youth Trust (TAYT) and a $15,000 grant from New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

TAYT provides life changing interventions and programmes to the region’s young people, including a fun-filled but impactful summer holiday programme funded by NZCT.

TAYT Funding & Administration Manager Tanya Grimstone explains “We’ve got some amazing activities lined up in our holiday programme such as zip lining, rock climbing, swimming, a wide range of sports and a whānau hangi to wrap up the programme. Through physical activity, we will teach our rangatahi about their ‘comfort zone’, ‘growth zone’ and ‘panic zone’. These lessons will be transferable into daily life, school and goal setting.”

“We believe that we can break the cycle with early intervention by providing our most vulnerable kids with positive role models and a vision of a better life. By giving them the skills and techniques to deal with their anxieties, anger and frustration they can grow to be adults contributing to their community.”

“We do not receive any Government support, so this funding from NZCT is key to helping keep our at risk youth on track at a time when schools not running.

NZCT Chief Executive, Mike Knell says “With our country’s horrendous youth suicide rates, It has never been more important to focus on our at risk young people. There is potential in every single one of our rangitahi. NZCT is delighted to help TAYT in their mission.”

Background

“TAYT was started in 1998 by Police staff and business leaders who believed that youth need interventions and programmes to enable them to achieve their full potential.”

“TAYT works under a letter of agreement with both NZ Police and Ministry of Education to provide a range of interventions and programmes for vulnerable youth (aged 7-14) in the Western Bay of Plenty including a breakfast club; a Wāhine/Tama Toa life skills programme focused on students identified by school staff as needing a little extra support; and providing funding for a range of high need costs such as school uniforms and fees, stationery, counselling, sports fees or any other interventions identified

“All TAYT’s programmes include whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building), kaitiakitanga (guardianship) rangatiratanga (leadership), manaakitanga (hospitality), kotahitanga (unity), wairuatanga (spirituality) and tikanga (custom)."