Reality brings tough lessons

Joseph Christianson, 17, gets some pointers from Okaihau firefighter Alastair Wells. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Fifteen teenagers from Kawakawa and Moerewa are about to get a hands-on insight into the work of emergency services.

Last year Northland was one of the first regions in the country to try out Youth in Emergency Services (YES), a national programme designed to strengthen connections between young people and their communities.

The scheme sees young people aged 15-18 spend five weekends experiencing the work of key emergency services including St John, Red Cross, Fire Service, Rural Fire, police and Civil Defence.

It starts this Saturday and culminates in a combined services exercise based around a disaster scenario.

Participants were nominated by schools, iwi and social services.

Afterwards they will be honoured at a formal graduation and have a chance to volunteer for two months with the emergency service of their choice.

Northland regional councillor Paul Dimery, a former police officer and now a representative on the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, said YES could provide a pathway to further involvement in emergency services, either as a volunteer or in a paid career.

"It also enables a greater appreciation from the communities themselves about the value and contribution their young people can make."