Gisborne student wins excellence award at life skills camp

Senior Sergeant Alan Rowland presents the Overall Excellence Award to Gisborne's Zeva Peard at the end of the Blue Light life skills camp at Whenuapai.

Campion College student Zeva Peard was named winner of the Overall Excellence Award at a recent police-run Blue Light life skills camp at Whenuapai.

The Gisborne teenager said it was the perfect way for her to conclude a week of achieving personal goals.

“To me it meant that I had accomplished everything that I was aiming for and even more.

“It meant that I had put my all into the week and also had fun while putting in my 100%.

“It made me feel proud of myself and I proved to myself that I can do more than what I think I can do.”

The camp was held from January 20-24.

Zeva, 17, said she was keen to explore the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a possible career.

“Attending the camp at the Defence Force’s Whenuapai Air Force base was an ideal way to do it.”

Blue Light youth mentor Easter Misi said Zeva stood out as an exceptional leader throughout the camp.

“She demonstrated maturity, strong communication and problem-solving skills. Her collaborative spirit and ability to lead by example made her a valued team member.

“Her dedication to personal growth and supporting others truly set her apart as a standout participant.”

Zeva hopes to go to Blue Light’s 100-person leadership course in December.

“It has more challenges and will really push me over and beyond what I can do, and the challenge could really help me with a better confidence for my future.

“I would tell anyone wanting to do this course to get stuck in with any leadership opportunities because you won’t regret it, and it could boost your confidence for future leadership positions.”

The programme provides 14-17-year-olds with life skills such as self-development, self-control and teamwork to help them be successful at home, school, in the community and with future employment.

Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, Trentham, the Central North Island and Burnham.