‘Shared vision’ behind success
Te Kupenga Hauora has been involved in the programme for about five years, providing morning meals to ensure students eat well after their physical training.
“They are a strong addition to the team and provide excellent support for all of our students and the wider team. We are fortunate to have their involvement and commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students. They are a force in the kitchen in the mornings.”
Ballantyne says the partnership between police and William Colenso College has been the cornerstone of the programme.
“We appreciate the effort from the many police officers who add flavour and a supporting hand to all of our rangatahi.
“A shared vision between the police and WCC is the reason why the programme has been successful for many years.”
Training begins this Monday morning and will take place three days a week, with staff on site from 5am and students expected to start at 5.45am sharp.
“This means that many students will be up and out the door by around 5am each training day.
“Police are prepared to pick up any students who might need extra support with getting to school at this time. The sunrises at training are worth it and each day it gets a little bit lighter as we head into spring.”
Training involves HIIT (high intensity interval training), running, carrying equipment such as poles, tyres and jerry cans and other exercises to develop fitness and teamwork.
“We are fortunate to have Andrew Banham as our fitness coach and trainer, who expertly guides the group through the programme.
Each training session begins and ends with karakia and waiata has been introduced to further bring the group together.”
Ballantyne says some of the hardest challenges include the early starts and carrying equipment for long periods, requiring both physical and mental toughness.
“There is also the challenge of developing a team bond, as all students begin the programme with different levels of fitness.”
He says one of the major highlights is getting to the longest day and completing it.
“It is really uplifting to see the sense of achievement on students’ faces as they finish this epic challenge after committing eight weeks of training. Some moments occur throughout the training sessions, such as students giving each other a helping hand or providing encouraging words.”
This may occur when students who finish first will routinely go back to support the others to also bring them across the line.
“This display of whanaungatanga is what helps to keep the whole group together and strong.”
Some students return to take part in the programme and it is good to have their input as they support those whoare joining for the first time. They also have past students turning up “which is excellent”.
“It takes courage to get up early and sustain eight weeks of intensive training. It takes courage to
get to know new people and it takes courage to push through difficult times to grow as an individual and to prevail.”
Students benefit holistically, by developing mental and physical strength, as well as taking part in a wha¯nau based programme.
“The personal growth and development achieved during this programme is something that can be transferred to other areas of school and life.”
Te Vaka Māia starts on Monday and finishes with The Longest Day on Saturday, September 24.