The WYAT Aspiring Leaders Programme is a long-term initiative designed to cultivate a “Culture of Aspirational, Motivated Students and Leaders” within Wairoa College and the broader Wairoa community, with a continued focus on individual Hauora (well-being).
This transformative programme is a collaborative effort between the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust (WYAT), Wairoa College, and the Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust, aimed at fostering leadership, personal growth, and holistic well-being among young people.
Since its inception in 2016, the programme has delivered tailored leadership and development opportunities for both junior and senior students. In 2019, WYAT shifted its focus to support a Junior Athlete Programme for students in years 7 and 8, recognising the importance of instilling leadership qualities in young people at an early age. This forward-thinking approach seeks to develop the next generation of Wairoa’s leaders by building strong foundations of self-confidence, discipline, and resilience.
Wairoa College has also expanded the programme by offering all year 7 and 8 students the chance to participate in workshop days with the Trust at the Institute in Hawkes Bay, providing them with unique experiences designed to enhance their leadership skills and physical fitness. This mass participation programme has given hundreds of students the opportunity to engage with activities that build both their physical and mental capabilities.
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the programme introduced Maara Kai, an initiative focused on improving the overall health, well-being, education, and self-esteem of tamariki. Maara Kai teaches students traditional methods of planting and harvesting kai (food), while also increasing their physical activity. Central to the programme is the incorporation of Maramataka, the traditional Māori lunar calendar, which guides planting and energy-based activities. This blend of cultural learning and hands-on agricultural practice helps students reconnect with the land and develop sustainable practices that can benefit both themselves and their communities.
Looking ahead, the programme aims to further develop intensive initiatives that not only enhance the health and well-being of Wairoa’s youth but also establish high-performance pathways for students at Wairoa College. By continuing to focus on the holistic development of young leaders, the WYAT Aspiring Leaders Programme is creating a legacy of aspirational, motivated individuals who are well-equipped to make positive contributions to their community and beyond.