Role models and student leaders

Career path march . . . East Coast Service Academy members in a uniform that features East Coast sky blue shirts with the distinctive Highway 35 logo march at the academy launch in Ruatōria on Thursday. The academy comprises 10 students from Ngata Memorial College, two from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiu and two from the Correspondence School. Picture by Eruera Walker

Nearly 100 proud whānau attended the launch of the East Coast Services Academy at Ruatōria RSA on Thursday.

Ten students from Ngāta Memorial College and two each from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiu and the Correspondence School were issued their caps and youth membership of the Ruatoria RSA.

The ceremony included an inspection by Major Wiremu Tamati and speeches by Peter Heron and Tania Hunter — the tumuaki of Ruatōria’s two senior schools.

“The students have spent the last five weeks learning drill, as well as taking part in their normal NCEA studies,” Mr Heron said.

“They have been role models for our students and can be relied upon to be student leaders in our community.

“Being part of the academy has improved student attendance and engagement as well as preparing them for career pathways ranging from university to the services.”

Ex-servicemen and servicewomen in the audience also stood to give words of advice.

The selected students are Trent Cameron, Toihau Carlson-Hari, Naomi Green, Ryan Harrison, Moana Te Puni, Raukura Whangapirita, Fraser Haenga, Rawiri Morice, Teina Hongara, Destiny Kenworthy, Riria Rangiuaia, Naomi Savage, Brianna Te Rauna and Ariki Whareaorere-Stevenson.

The students leave in two weeks for a fortnight’s induction camp at the army base in Waiouru.

The Services Academy programme is run within secondary schools in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force.

The aim is to support future pathways for priority students through improvement of NCEA qualifications and development of leadership and life skills.

Services Academies are run by the Ministry of Education and supported by the New Zealand Defence Force in 29 schools nationwide.

"The secondary school programme fosters life skills and values that enable students to take a positive role in society, aiming to encourage students to stay engaged in learning, gain qualifications, and prepare to move successfully into the workforce or further education and training.," an NZDF spokesman said.

"The New Zealand Defence Force is invested in supporting New Zealand programmes such as these for the benefit of our communities and our young people."