Forget the disco days

Blue Light has come a long way since the disco days according to Kaitaia's Senior Constable Rowena Jones.

Young people these days needed positive role models, safe environments and things to do, she said, and Blue Light was about to relaunch in the very Far North to provide those things.

Blue Light is a community policing youth programme that runs events for young people free from drugs, alcohol and violence, with the aim of reducing the chances of young people becoming offenders or victims of crime and building better relationships between the police, young people, their parents and the community.

"Blue Light encourages safe and healthy socialisation for young people with all events being free of alcohol, drugs and violence free, which can't be guaranteed at other events," Senior Constable Jones said.

"That is why parents and the community totally trust and support Blue Light activities for their children.

The events that would be offered in the Kaitaia area included Kids Gone Fishing, dance parties and a major focus on the Blue Light life skills camps, in collaboration with the Defence Force.

"The life skills camps have been identified as a priority for youth in our area," she added.

"The week-long camps, at an Army base in Auckland, are designed for at-risk or disadvantaged young people, to teach them life skills and leadership, how to work in a team and build relationships with positive role models. There have been some remarkable success stories of youth who have turned their lives around after being part of these camps.

"Young people are referred by those in the community, and these people have an important role in supporting them in a mentoring role for up to six months after the camp for long-term benefits."

Blue Light was a charitable trust based in Auckland with branches throughout the country, and it was up to those branches to fundraise for their events and programmes, in collaboration with their communities.

The Kaitaia Lions Club will stage a fundraising social this Saturday, 7.30pm at the Dalmatian Hall, the $20 ticket covering live music and nibbles, in support of a good cause. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at Shackleton's Amcal Chemist and Lemonwood.