Council donates vehicle to support young drivers
Left to Right: Te Awamutu Constable Sasha-Lee Graves, programme participant Paige Connon, Blue Light Youth Worker & Mentor Mereana Graham, Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest, Council Community Advisor Corren Ngerengere, Te Awamutu Constable Travis Mellor and Council Community Advisor Gina Scott.
Waipā District Council last week agreed to gift a council vehicle to charity Blue Light to support local rangatahi preparing to sit their driver’s license.
Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest said gifting the car was a fantastic idea.
“It’s so important for young people in particular to get a driver’s license,” he said.
“So often you hear stories of young people who don’t have access to a suitable vehicle or someone who is able to teach them how to drive.”
The 2009 vehicle is no longer required by Council. If sold, it is estimated to be worth up to $4000.
Blue Light is a registered charity that works in partnership with police to deliver an extensive range of youth programmes.
The Blue Light Youth Navigator Programme works to support rangatahi to progress through the licensing system until they obtain a full driver’s license. It includes practical driving lessons and provides access to a vehicle.
Rod Bell, Blue Light chief executive officer said not having a license can limit training and job opportunities for rangatahi.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Council for gifting this vehicle,” Bell said.
“The one we have isn’t meeting demand. We can now increase capacity and provide flexibility by offering lessons outside of school hours,” he added.
Since 2020, the Blue Light Youth Driver Navigator Programme have committed to work with 80 students in the Waipā district to obtain their full license.
