16 April 2014
Ask Rangiora McGregor what he got out of the Youth and Emergency Services (YES) programme, and his answer is simple.
"I know if I was to walk down town and someone was to drop down, have a panic attack - I'd know what to do," he said. "It was better than what I was expecting - I'd recommend it to anybody."
The 17-year-old was one of fifteen young people from Turangi and Mangakino who graduated from the YES programme on Sunday. Mayor David Trewavas presented the certificates at the ceremony, which was held at the Tihoi Venture Centre in Tihoi.
The programme has equipped Rangiora with emergency skills that he believes could save a life, and given him an experience he will never forget.
"I wanted to do it because I'm still not 100 per cent sure what I want to do when I leave home," he said. "It's given me some stuff to think about. I just have to sit down and research it."
The programme had spanned the last four weeks and involved learning with St John, the New Zealand Fire Service, Coastguard and Taupo District Council's Civil Defence and Rural Fire teams. Those taking part were youth aged 16-19 with plenty of motivation and determination who were interested in experiencing the emergency services in the Taupō District.
Rangiora said at times it was hard work, including running up stairs in full Fire Service kit, but it was all worth it for the experience and the fun.
Community projects officer Hellmuth Hartung said the programme was the first of its kind in the Taupō District and was created to foster a better connection between young people and their communities. "We hope it will build strong, resilient communities by equipping the next generation with emergency skills and knowledge," he said.
YES is coordinated by the council with the help of emergency services from Turangi and Mangakino and funding from the Ministry of Youth Development. Local emergency services volunteered their time and equipment to support the programme.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410
Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549
Taupo District Council
