Ko Wai Au Trust co-founder and general manager Georgina Christie, left, and rangatahi kaimahi – youth worker – Emma Stockman.
A meeting called by concerned Te Awamutu College parents amid reports of bullying at the school has highlighted key priorities organisers now say they want addressed.
A written report summarising the points raised at the meeting last week is being prepared for the college board.
Jenni Williams, one of the concerned parents who called the meeting, wants to see initial steps taken to begin resolving the highlighted issues by the start of term, midway through next month.
There were four key areas of concern raised for consideration – ensuring students’ safety at school, changing or limiting student access to cellphones during school hours, vaping and “hardline” consequences for those caught bullying others, she said.
“I know that’s not easy,” said Williams, a former college student who has children at the school.
“Solving all the issues won’t happen quickly. But, if we begin to see steps being taken by next term, that would be encouraging.”
About 40 people were at last Wednesday evening’s meeting at Te Rahu Hall.
Among them were Te Awamutu College deputy principal Wayne Carter, board of trustees’ chair Craig Yarndley and other board members, Te Awamutu-Kihikihi ward councillor Marcus Gower and Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board chair Ange Holt, along with board members Sally Whitaker and Jill Taylor.
Taylor chaired the meeting as ideas were put forward by parents and representatives from two community organisations.
Ko Wai Au Trust general manager Georgina Christie – who co-founded the organisation three months ago with her husband Andrew – and Kainga Aroha Community House manager Kane Rangitonga discussed how each could offer wrap-around support services to the college.
“Our kids’ safety is most important – everything else flows from that. And, yes, we also mean teacher safety,” Williams said.
“Kudos to Mr Carter, Craig and other board members for coming – and for talking with parents after the meeting.
“This has never been about pointing fingers – let’s work together, support the school and see this resolved.”
Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board member Jill Taylor.
Christie told the meeting Ko Wai Au is working with 35 teenagers across Waipā.
They advocate for and mentor young people to ensure they can easily access training, education and employment opportunities.
As of last week, eight had been transitioned into further opportunities.
She said Ko Wai Au was also willing to work alongside the college in implementing a newly written programme run in schools, specifically for 12-14 year-olds.
The five-week course, held once a week in a marae setting, would be free for the college, she said – up to 20 students every two terms could participate.
“Let’s be leaders in Te Awamutu – and around Aotearoa – regarding fixing this and moving forward.”
Taylor, who has three grandchildren at the college, said she started a free programme for children aged 10-15 at the beginning of last year.
By December, she said, 35 teenagers were attending.
Based at the Ko Wai Au building on a Tuesday – and adding Wednesdays next term – they’re playing sports, designing murals and holding cooking classes.
Kaianga Aroha Community House manager Kane Rangitonga said staff were happy to help whenever needed.
“This isn’t just the school’s problem. The pathway to working through this will take the college, the community, agencies and organisations and parents and children all rowing together in the same waka.”
