Celebrating emerging leaders and helping youth discover their potential has been the focus of the Te Taitimu Trust Big Camp during the past five days.
The camp, now in its 11th year, was held at Waipapa-a-Iwi Marae on the East Coast. A prizegiving marking the final part of the occasion was held yesterday, with about 70 rangatahi, 30 mentors and 50 helpers in attendance.
The annual camp was developed by Hastings-based non-profit organisation Te Taitimu Trust in 2007 to help youth - many of whom are at risk and some of whom are gang-family children - realise their potential and support positive change in Hawke's Bay communities.
"This year's camp was about supporting Ngāti Pahauwera mokapuna from various backgrounds and their aspirations for a better future," trust founder Zack Makoare said.
"The annual camp provides an opportunity for us and our partners to engage whānau, and assist tamariki and rangatahi to learn leadership skills that will help them become contributing citizens to their communities."