Reagan, 17, volunteers in three community organisations in Uawa, Tolaga Bay.
He has been a part of the Uawa Civil Defence team since 2020 and has attended every callout since then. This meant being involved in the challenging weather events, Cyclone Hale and Cyclone Gabrielle. His role involves monitoring river levels, rainfall, weather forecasts and updating the team on data from these areas. His work also involves fielding calls from whānau in the community.
Reagan is a member of the Māori Wardens and can often be found supporting events in the region where the Māori Wardens are involved, providing security and help to sporting events, concerts, Anzac Day events or significant iwi hui. Under the mantle of Te Aitanga a Hauiti Hauora he is a member of the Uawa Community Response team and continues to provide support in the community.
Reagan’s ambition is an example to all.
“A truly excellent volunteer motivates people to grow in new directions, to focus on the good, and to listen with empathy. The people in my town drive me to contribute in my community because home is where the heart is.
”As I have volunteered across my community this has opened many doors for me and it is something I will continue to do” Reagan said.
“My encounter with the Governor General was the highlight of my trip. I got the opportunity to attend a special function at Government House with the Minister and the Governor General, to recognise individuals who have contributed an immense amount of work to their community.”
Gisborne Volunteer Centre board member Nicki Liversage attended the Auckland event with Reagan,
“I was very proud to be the Gisborne Volunteer Centre representative at the event at Government House. The Tairāwhiti region is very lucky to have such awesome young people giving their time and effort to support the community,” said Ms Liversage.
Aaria Reedy, 18, is passionate about whānau, rongoā Maori, community and the environment. She actively supports the rural community of Ruatōria. In 2022 through Te Runanganui o Ngāti Porou Youth Service programme, her interest was sparked. Nominated by Marama Apelu, Tairāwhiti Maori Wardens, she is described as being a strong advocate for youth participation in all things Māori wātene.
“She has had a compelling influence on youth involvement in warden activities”, said Marama.
During Cyclone Gabrielle, Aaria was able to identify the immediate concerns and needs of community members. She initiated the delivery of an emergency satellite base, which included handheld radios, and organised a van, ready to assist in supplies and evacuations if necessary.
Aaria is studying at Te Wananga O Aotearoa. Next month she will attend the Involve Conference in Auckland, a national conference for youth development and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
Unfortunately, Aaria was unable to attend the Auckland event because of bad weather. She travelled from Ruatoria via Opotiki, due to the closure of State Highway 35 and didn’t quite make it to Gisborne Airport.
She was left stranded in Matawai.
In true volunteer spirit, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work helping people who had been relocated to a marae in Matawai. Although disappointed to miss the Auckland event, Aaria said she was “actually quite glad” she was able to be in Matawai, “because there were a lot of people who were at risk up there, just like me”.
And from Reagan — “The best advice I can give for the young rangatahi of today is to give everything a go.”
