Hurunui Youth Programme launches rural student transition programme

A pilot transition programme is giving Year 7 and 8 students in Hurunui the tools, confidence, and friendships they need to transition to the next step in their school journey.

The fully-funded Year 7/8 Connect pilot programme is being delivered this year by the Hurunui Youth Programme over three sessions.

The first session, held at Omihi Hall in June, familiarised students with high school life, from navigating timetables to where to go to for support in their new environment. The second session was a leadership camp, held during the July holidays at Boyle River Camp. The final session, to be held in October in the form of an ‘Amazing Race’, will ensure by the end that students feel confident about using public transport.

Hurunui Council’s Youth Team Leader Jo Sherwood said the programme is youth led, with Hurunui youth leaders sharing their wisdom with the Year 7s and 8s to support them as they transition away from the familiar world of primary school.

“Imagine starting high school after coming from a rural primary school with perhaps 40 students in total. The shift to a large, possibly urban, secondary school could feel like stepping into a strange new world,” Sherwood said.

Following community consultation and discussions with local schools, Waikari School, Greta Valley School, Omihi School and Waipara School were each invited to bring their year 7 and 8 students along to the programme.

“They were very supportive of this opportunity for their students, and encouraged people to get involved,” Sherwood said.

Council’s Youth Development Officer Kimberley Spencer said feedback was positive from day one, especially around the different schools’ varied timetables.

“We covered some really useful topics such as how to read a school timetable, how to navigate around a big school and who you could go to for help.”

The winter camp also offered plenty of physical challenges to grow confidence and trust, and develop bush skills. Map and compass navigation, two wire crossings, a leadership workshop, a bush cookout and plenty of campfire laughs pushed the students’ communication and problem-solving skills, and set up new friendships.

The programme also introduced students to the Hurunui Youth Programme, helping them to stay connected with local youth activities during holidays and beyond, no matter where they go to school.

The camp was run by four Hurunui Youth Council and Hurunui Youth Programme youth leaders, contract youth worker Phil Trotter, and Spencer.

“It was great to have an opportunity to lead a younger group,” camp leader and Youth Council member Madi Wayne said.

“We’re keen to explore funding to be able to roll out the programme to other primary Year 7 and 8s in Hurunui,” Sherwood said.

Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black said: “In Hurunui, we know the power of community. Programmes like these are more than just events, they’re lifelines for our young people. It’s heartening to see our youth being supported and connected at this important milestone in their lives. This is the kind of initiative that strengthens our district and gives our future leaders the start they deserve.”

The pilot programme was made possible through funding by the Ministry of Youth development and The Rāta Foundation, and is aligned to Hurunui Youth’s strategic focus on supporting the district’s young people into new opportunities.