Wairoa Young Achievers Trust is proud to have supported Mokoera Tipuna Te Amo o Te Rangi on his recent journey with Outward Bound.
Thanks to the support from WYAT and the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs NZ, Mokoera embarked on a life-changing 3-week course that challenged him both physically and mentally, while also teaching invaluable life lessons.
Reflecting on the experience, Mokoera shared that one of the most memorable moments was sailing through the Cook Strait during a storm. “I learnt from this experience that I am able to remain calm and collected in hard situations. During this time, the team were stressed, and I helped with calming them down and getting them in their assigned position.” This powerful moment highlighted Mokoera’s natural leadership and ability to thrive under pressure.
The Outward Bound course also gave Mokoera the chance to meet people from all walks of life, including a mate from Ireland, which was a new and exciting experience for someone from Wairoa. “You don’t see this in Wairoa, lol,” Mokoera remarked with a laugh.
While being away from his whānau for three weeks was a challenge, Mokoera knows it was worth it. His favourite activity was sailing, where he took on the role of Sail Holder, describing it as the “most mental” part of the course, but also incredibly rewarding.
With aspirations to join the Air Force next year, Mokoera recognised the value of this course in preparing him for the future. He expressed his gratitude to WYAT and the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs NZ, saying, “Thanks to Sam from WYAT and the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs NZ contract for this very amazing opportunity. I learnt a lot during it and will never forget the memories from it.”
At Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, we are thrilled to have been part of Mokoera’s journey and look forward to seeing all that he achieves in the years to come. His resilience, leadership, and commitment to his future are inspiring, and we know he will make Wairoa proud.
