Matapuna celebrate end of ‘most peculiar year’

MATAPUNA ACHIEVERS: Mainland Tactix netball player Kimiora Poi (fourth left) was guest speaker at Matapuna Training Centre's end of year celebration and joined graduates, from left, Gemma Moles, Desiree Mihaere, Kararaina Chambers, Kimiora Poi, Karlyle Te Maari-Te Paa, Pace Lewis, Mya Tiopira-Poi, Madison Himiona, and Tenaj Hollis in this picture.Picture by Paul Rickard

This year has been a most peculiar one, said Matapuna Training Centre board of trustees chairman Mike Eriksen at the centre's end of year prize-giving last week.

“We've had to deal with things personally and globally but I came along this afternoon and think you're amazing. You've done it.”

He acknowledged Matapuna students who were involved with Gizzy Kai Rescue.

“They couldn't praise you enough about doing good work in the community,” said Mr Eriksen.

He encouraged students to seek the truth in a world in which the spread of misinformation is getting worse.

The impact the Covid-19 response had on Matapuna students and staff cannot be underestimated, said Matapuna principal Jodie Cook.

“It took a lot of time and energy to get back on track.”

The training centre's employment programme had been a success.

“Once a lot of students have their qualifications they want to go to work. We listened to the student body and whanau. Eighty percent of youth who have engaged in that programme are in sustainable employment,” she said.

“Employers are now coming back to ask if we have any more.”

Presentations included licence to work awards, exceptional awards, qualifications achieved awards

Guest speaker, Mainland Tactix netball player Kimiora Poi, cited hard work, short and long term goal setting, and no fear of failure as key to success.

“Failing isn't the problem. It's how you pick yourself up again.

“Surround yourself with people who support you or back you up. And keep having fun. Make sure what you're doing makes you happy.”

Paora Edwards was joined by Carda Pohatu in a performance of a rap song Edwards wrote to celebrate fellow students' graduation.