Rising up to the activities challenge

The New Zealand Army hosted the Rise Up Tairawhiti adventurers out at Sponge Bay where Kahn Walters, Malu Pateta and Tama Hemana got to grips with a firearm as Lance Corporal Dave Rountree (5/7 RNZIR) looks on. Pictures by Liam Clayton

LAST week was a big and exciting one for the youngsters involved in the Rise Up Tairawhiti summer programme run by Red Cross and it is considered a great success. Some 26 children aged 10 to 12 took part in the three-day programme this year.

It started on Tuesday and involved activities with the police, the army, the fire service and Red Cross. The programme finished on Thursday with a visit to Eastwoodhill Aboretum and the Rere waterfall.

“It was a great success and all the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” said Red Cross Gisborne Service Centre co-ordinator Jeanine Fearnley.

“They got a lot out of it and they showed a lot of leadership qualities.”

The children who took part were nominated by their schools and by support agencies who deal with youth.

“The New Zealand Army component included an obstacle course at Sponge Bay, a weapons display and a ride on a Unimog army truck,” Mrs Fearnley said.

“The fire service had them dragging hoses, climbing stairs and carrying drums. With the police they met a dog team, watched a display by the team and took part in team building games that encouraged them to think outside the square.

“Those games also taught them to communicate within their teams. All in all it was great three days and congratulations to all 26 children for the way they took part. They rose to the challenges put in front of them.”