Differences aside for safety day

Te Taitimu Trust founder Zack Makaore.

A day out at Blackhead Beach for 250 young people and their families is more than a bit of lighthearted fun - for some of them it's a rare opportunity.

Te Taitimu Trust brings together at-risk or hard-to-reach Maori, including gang members, to learn vital water safety skills and how better to look after the marine and coastal environment, today from 10am.

With Maori people over-represented in drowning statistics, it was important to get the awareness message out there, director Zack Makoare said.

Water Safety New Zealand was once again involved in the marine education programme, which runs annually, by providing resources.

"Some of these kids don't have the skills or the chance to go to the beach," Mr Makoare said. "It's teaching them about their connection to the sea, turning off cellphones and doing something caring for the environment."

The eldest person involved was 16 and the youngest just 4.

A variety of activities aimed to encourage respect, self healing, confidence and enjoyment, they also came away with potentially life-saving knowledge.

They will learn how to snorkel, use a life jacket and preserve sea life by exploring marine reserves.

Police have also been involved in working with youths, something which had proved to be successful over the past seven years, Central Hawke's Bay police Sergeant and Te Taitimu trustee Ross Gilbert said.

"Our presence allows the youth to see another side of the police, that we are fathers or mothers, have our own families and live in the community just like them."

Whanau were encouraged to join in, as many of the lessons were just as relevant for adults as they were for young people.

"Because of the backgrounds of the youth who attend our camp, many are from gang families, the trust has made a conscious effort to include the gang members as well as their children."