Some help for young drivers
Around 30 young people from central and south Taranaki are getting a helping hand to get their driver’s licences, thanks to a grant from the Tindall Foundation.
“Getting a driver’s licence improves our young people’s access to education and employment, removes the isolation barriers in a rural community with limited public transport and improves safety on the roads for all of us,” says Central Taranaki Blue Light Ventures Coordinator Saskia Mills.
Results from a 2013 Roadsafe Taranaki Survey of 5300 secondary school students in Taranaki found that while 2180 had driven a car on the road, of those 1200 did not have a current driver licence. Of the young people on a learner or restricted licence 34 per cent owned up to breaking at least one condition on their licence.
“This initiative stood out for its potential beyond merely getting a group of young people their driver licences — from increasing people’s employability and confidence to the way it engages other members of the community through the mentoring aspect. It’s a great model and creates a real win-win situation for the community,” says Te Karaka Chair Ken Horner.
The Blue Light Te Ara Tika Driver Licensing programme will be delivered by Central and South Taranaki Blue Light Ventures in partnership with New Zealand Police, local district councils and community volunteers.
Responsibility for allocating funding of around $40,000 per year under the Tindall Foundation’s supporting families and social services programme is overseen by Te Karaka Foundation.
“We’re pleased the Tindall Foundation have recognised our expertise and local knowledge and have entrusted Te Karaka to make recommendations about how this funding is allocated,” says Te Karaka Foundation Chair Ken Horner.
■ Other recipients of this year’s Tindall Foundation funding in Taranaki include: Pregnancy Help Taranaki Inc., Hawera Budget Advisory Service, Taranaki Toy Library, New Plymouth Positive Ageing Trust, On The House and New Plymouth Emergency Shelter. For information on funding and how to apply visit tindall.org.nz or email grants@tkf.org.nz. The next round funding closes August 31.