Kiwi Cabins has kindly donated three playhouses to become canvases for creativity, undergoing remarkable transformations as a part of a unique fundraising initiative to help support local causes including the Graeme Dingle Foundation. KingSt Advertising has raised a hand and a paint brush to decorate one of the three Kiwi Cabin playhouses, which will then be auctioned. All earnings from the auction will be donated to the Foundation.

“Being a beneficiary of this awesome fundraising initiative has our team feeling overjoyed, not only for the sake of our mahi, but for the sake of the rangatahi we support,” said Amanda Shaw, General Manager of Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato.

“We are fortunate to have many partners and supporters, like Kiwi Cabins and KingSt Advertising, working with us in the community to help make cool things happen for New Zealand youth.”

The Waikato Home Show, scheduled for October 5th, promises to be a day of inspiration, creativity and unity. Kiwi Cabins, KingSt Advertising and other participating organisations aim to tell a narrative of collective goodwill, and hopes this initiative will not only raise funds for good local causes but will also inspire others to give back to the community.

For more information about the initiative or to support the cause, please contact…

Kiwi Cabins
Kathryn Williams, Managing Director
021 772 553
info@kiwicabins.co.nz

KingSt Advertising
Chris Williams, CEO
(07) 847 3590
chris@kingst.co.nz

Graeme Dingle Foundation Waikato
Amanda Shaw, General Manager
(07) 839 7058

The post A Day of Inspiration at the Waikato Home Show appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

The Foundation, which works alongside over 22,000 tamariki and rangatahi across the country, invites bosses to partake in the event by fundraising a personal goal of $1,000 and taking a fearless leap off Auckland’s Sky Tower bungy. This year, AJ Hackett Bungy is allowing their iconic bungy platform to remain open at night so that 100 individuals can take the 192 metre leap between 11am and 11pm.

Among the fearless droppers is talented entrepreneur and global business leader, Anna Mowbray. You may know her name as the Co-founder of toy giant ‘Zuru’, or perhaps from the recently published Business News article naming ‘10 of New Zealand’s most powerful women in business’. With these accolades and many career accomplishments, Mowbray recently decided it was time to take on a new challenge by supporting Aotearoa’s young people.

Sticking to her method of conquering obstacles head on, Mowbray states about the fundraiser “I feel completely petrified… but I’ll do it!” Later reflecting on the challenge she’d just signed up for, Mowbray said, “Oh no what have I gotten myself in for……eeeek. I am so nervous!”

Fresh off the back of launching ZEIL, her new jobseeker marketplace and ‘Tinder for jobs’, the Kiwi powerhouse has plenty on her plate. Graeme Dingle Foundation CEO Jo Malcolm-Black said Anna’s commitment has gone further than the ‘Drop Your Boss’ fundraiser.

“We are pleased to announce we have partnered with ZEIL simultaneously. Their team will be working with us to support CV creation for rangatahi through engaging with our Career Navigator programme, as well as supporting job advertising for our staff across the country. ZEIL has generously offered the Foundation free access to their job platform, allowing us as an employer to connect with more young talent”, she said.

“Anna is someone who has incredible dedication and demonstrates her resilience in overcoming obstacles in business, just like our programmes promote. She brings an authentic kiwi ingenuity, passion, and a never-give-up attitude making for an excellent role model for our students. We are thrilled to see her supporting our work and promoting Drop Your Boss” said Malcolm Black.

Drop Your Boss 2023 has a goal to engage 100 participants to collectively raise $100,000 for the youth programmes, and the ask is loud and clear. Sign up now to fundraise and take a leap for Aotearoa’s Youth.

“Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to do something extraordinary, so we are asking leaders and anyone invested in young people to jump with us – just like Anna is. It’s a fun adrenaline burst which might change the future for rangatahi. We are over halfway to our goal but still need 40 more droppers: nominate your boss today, or if you can’t convince your boss to drop, make sure you donate on Anna’s public Givealittle page instead” said Malcolm- Black.

Keen participants can register for Drop Your Boss 2023 here.

ENDS
For more information, please contact Event Manager Monique Sanna – Monique.Sanna@dinglefoundation.org.nz

About the event
When: 16th November 2023 – 11am to 11pm
Where: Sky Tower, Auckland
What: Drop Your Boss is a unique, FUNdraiser which challenges Business Leaders to Drop off Auckland’s tallest building and raise funds for our young people.
Why: Our tamariki and rangatahi have had to overcome many obstacles in this ever-changing world. At the Graeme Dingle Foundation, we arm these young people with the tools to overcome these adversities. We’re asking bosses across Auckland to accept their own challenge, go outside their comfort zone and take part in Drop Your Boss 2023

The post Entrepreneur and Global Leader Anna Mowbray Joins Line-up of Fearless Leaders Supporting Aotearoa’s Youth appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

Held at The Cordis Hotel, Auckland, on Saturday 14th of October, over 500 attendees from the Grocery industry are expected to attend in support of the Graeme Dingle Foundation with funding benefitting over 22,000 tamariki who are part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Kiwi Can programme Nationwide.

Kiwi Can is described as an energy-packed primary school programme, aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years teaching values such as integrity and respect, building resilience and delivering fun-filled learning to schools all around the country.

With a worthy cause at its heart, The Grocery Charity Ball features a three course meal, beverages, live entertainment and music with a highly anticipated live auction, the event is set to raise an estimated $200,000 thanks to generous contributions from businesses across the country.

Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury General Manager, Sian Neary, said “It has been incredible to see the generosity from many businesses who have contributed to this huge event. We have seen a huge commitment from business throughout New Zealand including Canterbury-born Springfree, who service a global audience with children at the heart of all they do”

“We know our programmes work, and to see that other organisations and businesses are getting behind our tamariki and rangatahi through the Grocery Charity Ball is a great feeling“ said Neary.

From their beginnings in Christchurch over 35 years ago and now delivering to the world, Springfree are contributors of a $2,000 trampoline to the Grocery Charity Ball Auction. General Manager of Springfree, Megan McKenzie, said their contribution means more than just donating a trampoline.

“Our Founder, Dr Keith Alexander, is a true blue Kiwi inventor and a loving dad who wanted his children to feel the same happiness he felt bouncing as a kid. He has a passion for helping people through his craft much like the co-founder of the Graeme Dingle Foundation, Sir Graeme Dingle, who through the charity has dedicated his life to supporting young people to overcome any obstacle” she said.

“With the safety of his, and other children at the forefront of his mind, Dr Alexander was able to revolutionise the standard trampoline structure – overcoming obstacles to succeed. And, after 20 years of successful business throughout the globe Springfree has become a New Zealand icon” she continued.

“We believe kids learn best, when they foster relationships and resilience through play and having fun. Springfree offers every child a platform to acquire new abilities, emphasizing that with perseverance, they can achieve whatever they are determined to master. I see the same values in the programs the Graeme Dingle Foundation provides. Our hope is that by contributing, we can play a small role in creating positive change and bring many joyful moments.” said McKenzie.

Bringing together donations of incredible experiences and items up for grabs at The Grocery Charity Ball, as well as the lure of a night like no other, keen attendees are encouraged to pick up a single ticket or table of ten in support of the cause.

Event organisers say tickets for the annual New Zealand Grocery Charity Ball are selling out fast and encourage anyone who’d like to get behind the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s incredible programmes to get a ticket before they are sold out.

Tickets are available for purchase here at grocerycharityball.org or email tickets@type40.co.nz .

About Springfree
Since 2003, Springfree has delivered the safest trampoline the world has known. Our greatest wish is for all families to have the opportunity to safely create countless memories, countless giggles and smiles. Find out more at www.springfreetrampoline.co.nz.

About the Grocery Charity Ball Trust
Established in 2004, The Grocery Charity Ball Trust runs the premier event on the grocery industry social calendar, directing the profits to charitable trusts in New Zealand.

The annual event is held with the support of both Foodstuffs and Countdown, as well as the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council.

About The Grocery Charity Ball 2023
Date: 14th October 2023
Venue: The Great Room, Cordis Auckland
Time: Pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, guest seated 7.00pm sharp
Dress Code: Black Tie
2023 Beneficiary: The Graeme Dingle Foundation
Ticket: $400 + GST
Table of 10: $4000 + GST

The post Business Puts Bounce in the Step of Kiwi Kids through 2023 Grocery Charity Ball appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

Established in 2004, The Grocery Charity Ball Trust runs the premier event on the grocery industry social calendar, directing profits to charitable trusts in New Zealand. This year, the beneficiary of funds raised is nationwide youth development charity, the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

Held at The Cordis Hotel, Auckland, on Saturday 14th of October, over 500 attendees from the Grocery industry are expected to attend in support of the Graeme Dingle Foundation. Funds raised from the event will be supporting over 22,000 tamariki who are part of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Kiwi Can programme, currently running in 10 regions across the country.

Kiwi Can is described as an energy-packed primary school programme aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years and teaching values such as integrity, respect, building resilience and delivering fun-filled learning to schools across the country.

With a worthy cause at its heart, The Grocery Charity Ball features a three course meal, beverages, live entertainment and music with a highly anticipated live auction. The event is set to raise an estimated $200,000 thanks to generous contributions from businesses across the country.

Graeme Dingle Foundation CEO, Jo Malcolm- Black, said “It has been incredible to see the generosity from many businesses across all areas of Aotearoa who have contributed to this fundraiser. We have seen items donated from the likes of Lion New Zealand contributing a weekend luxury getaway package, top-of-the-line household products from Mitre 10, priceless encounters from
Auckland Zoo, and a Marlborough getaway package donated by several businesses in the region including Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, Nautilus Estate, Lion and Blenheim Toyota – just to name a few. “

“The organisations donating items to the Grocery Charity Ball positively impact our ability to connect with tamariki and rangatahi across the motu. Every item helps us get a step closer” said Malcolm-Black

Beginning with humble roots in Christchurch and delivering to the world, Springfree is one of the many generous donors to the event, with a contribution of a $2,000 trampoline to the Grocery Ball Auction.

Springfree General Manager, Megan McKenzie, said the driver behind their contribution is the close link between the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s cause and their beliefs. “We believe kids learn best when they foster relationships and resilience through play and having fun. Springfree offers every child a platform to acquire new abilities, emphasising that with perseverance, they can achieve whatever they are determined to master. I see the same values in the programmes the Graeme Dingle Foundation provides” she said.

With incredible experiences and items up for grabs throughout the evening, as well as the lure of a night like no other, keen attendees are encouraged to pick up a single ticket or table of ten in support of the cause.

Event organisers say tickets for the annual New Zealand Grocery Charity Ball are selling out fast and encourage anyone who’d like to get behind the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s programmes to get a ticket before they are sold out.

Tickets are available for purchase here at grocerycharityball.org or email tickets@type40.co.nz .

About the Grocery Charity Ball Trust:
● Established in 2004, The Grocery Charity Ball Trust runs the premier event on the grocery industry social calendar, directing the profits to charitable trusts in New Zealand.
● The annual event is held with the support of both Foodstuffs and Countdown, as well as the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council.

About The Grocery Charity Ball 2023
Date: 14th October 2023
Venue: The Great Room, Cordis Auckland
Time: Pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, guest seated 7.00pm sharp
Dress Code: Black Tie
2023 Beneficiary: The Graeme Dingle Foundation
Ticket: $400 + GST
Table of 10: $4000 + GST
To purchase your tickets, please email tickets@type40.co.nz

The post An Election Night Like No Other appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

For eight years, brave Kiwis have taken a massive leap in support of Aotearoa’s youth, with the fundraising event aptly named ‘Drop Your Boss’ a huge hit for executives, media personalities and general go-getters alike. Matilda Rice, Art Green, Mitre 10’s Stan Scott and Former Deputy PM Paula Bennett were amongst last year’s famous faces dropping, with Paula Bennett jumping live on TV3’s ‘The AM Show’.

Watch: Former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett jumps off Sky Tower for charity Credits: AM

This November, the popular fundraiser returns and, despite its continued growth and success over the years, Drop Your Boss 2023 is rumoured to be the largest scale fundraiser for the Graeme Dingle Foundation to date.

To add spark to the event, the Foundation has this year worked with AJ Hackett Bungy and SkyCity to open the Sky Tower’s bungy platform at night for the first time ever, meaning 12 hours of freefalling between 11am and 11pm.

With the chance to take a leap under the stars, Graeme Dingle Foundation CEO Jo Malcolm-Black anticipates many more will jump at the opportunity to support young people across the country.

“The outcomes that we can achieve for young people are extraordinary in terms of empowering them to overcome their own obstacles, so it makes sense for us to match those steps with something big. And sometimes it takes a leap of faith to do something extraordinary, so we are asking leaders, people invested in young people, to jump with us. It’s a fun adrenaline burst which might change the future for rangatahi” said Malcolm-Black.

While participants may be in it for the thrill, they’re also making a huge difference for the charity which, for 28 years, has relied on such fundraising initiatives and partnerships to run its programmes.

“Our programmes are known for building confidence and skills in tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they are empowered to overcome any obstacle and succeed. Programmes Kiwi Can, Stars, Project K and Career Navigator work in succession to ensure young people are supported into future work and study opportunities while positively contributing to their communities. With the recent addition of community programmes to our offering, our focus is now on rangatahi up to age 25, so the impact is potentially greater than before” said Malcolm-Black.

After eight successful years running Drop Your Boss, Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Event Manager, Monique Sanna, is excited about the unique opportunity for participants to conquer their fears in a meaningful way.

“Our droppers can expect support and motivation along the way to meet their $1000 fundraising goal and can always jump as a team if they’re nervous to take the plunge alone!” she said.

Drop Your Boss 2023 has a goal to engage 100 participants to collectively raise $100,000 for the youth programmes, and the ask is loud and clear. Sign up now to fundraise and take a leap for Aotearoa’s Youth.

“Join the 40+ bosses who have signed up so far, register yourself, nominate someone else, or jump as a team” said Sanna.

Keen participants can register for Drop Your Boss 2023 here.

ENDS

For more information, please contact Event Manager Monique Sanna.

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The Graeme Dingle Foundation supports over 3,800 students aged 5-18 across the wider Canterbury region through their programmes Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K. Programmes like these rely on frequent fundraising and ‘Fly for Youth’ is an exciting initiative to support the Foundations work in schools. Businesses and individuals are invited to sign up to support the cause, and with partners Canterbury and South Canterbury Aero Clubs and Garden City Helicopters, participants can choose their flight style and have their very own opportunity to fly an aircraft alongside a trained pilot.

With over 35 young people eager and willing to fundraise to fly an aircraft, the Foundation is now looking for more adults to fundraise toward their goal of $30,000 and join this incredible experience. By meeting a fundraising target of $800, you’ll experience a one hour session where you take control in either a helicopter or plane for an introductory flying lesson, with all funds raised going toward empowering tamariki and rangatahi in Canterbury to overcome life’s obstacles.

Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury Trustee Mark Dingle, who participated in the event last year, said the opportunity to fly is something he’d always been keen to try, and this was the perfect way to do it while raising funds, so he jumped at the chance.

“It was an opportunity to support a worthy cause and directly contribute to the work of the Foundation and we’d love for more eager participants to get involved” he said.

“The fundraiser also serves as another positive element to the programmes we run for young people, who too have the chance to fundraise and fly. We’ve had students fundraising for the experience by selling raffle tickets, bacon and cookie time cookies. It really gives them an opportunity to set a goal and achieve it. Taking control of the aircraft is an exciting way to develop their confidence and self-belief, while practicing multi-tasking and decision making.” He continued.

Dingle spoke fondly of the experience and encouraged others to give Fly For Youth a try.

“Last year we went out over the river, and I took control – it was challenging and enjoyable at the same time. I left thinking maybe this is something I would like to continue doing. If you’re reading this, I encourage you to just do it. You’re guaranteed to have an awesome time, learn something new and support the Graeme Dingle Foundation at the same time.”

With November’s weather making excellent flying conditions, keen participants are encouraged to take on the challenge and sign up today at the Graeme Dingle Foundation website.

ENDS

For more information on Fly for Youth, please contact:
Sian Neary, General Manager Canterbury
sian.neary@dinglefoundation.org.nz

Fundraiser Timeline 1st August to 31st October – Sign ups and fundraising.
11th November – Flights take place.

Fundraiser Partners Thanks to GCH Aviation, you can experience a 1 hour helicopter flight where you get to fly the aircraft. A trial flight puts you safely behind the dual controls of a Robinson 22 helicopter with an instructor beside you the whole time, guiding you through your take-off, hover, flight and landing. Thanks to Canterbury Aero Club and South Canterbury Aero Club, you can experience an aeroplane flight where you get to fly the aircraft! 1hr flight experience with a fully qualified Flight Instructor including a 15min briefing, 30min flight and 15min debrief.

The post Participants Wanted to ‘Fly For Youth’ appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

Students came together to Mihi Whakatau the new Regional Lead of the Graeme Dingle Foundation Southern (GDFS), Anna Gaitt. The event was attended by members of GDF’s board, their dedicated staff along with students from Ascot Community School, Wallacetown Primary, and Invercargill Middle School, and was honoured that Gary Davis, Principal of Te Wharekura o Arowhenua agreed to be Kaikōrero.

A Mihi Whakatau holds profound significance, symbolising the gradual process of uniting the visitors (Manuhiri) with the home people (Tangata Whenua) by removing the tapu (sacredness) of the newcomers. It is a beautiful representation of the unity and harmony that the Graeme Dingle Foundation aims to bring into the lives of young students.

Sarah Read, Invercargill Middle School Principal commented on the significance of the celebration.

“We were truly honoured to be part of the Mihi Whakatau and welcome Anna to our community. The Graeme Dingle Foundation has been an invaluable partner for our school, helping to instil resilience, confidence, and character in our students through their various programs. We have witnessed remarkable transformations in our students’ lives, and we eagerly look forward to the positive impact Anna will bring to further enhance the Foundation’s influence.”

The sentiment was echoed by Lisa Brady, Wallacetown School Principal

“The Mihi Whakatau was a poignant reminder of the strong sense of community that the Graeme Dingle Foundation fosters in our region. The Foundation’s commitment to empowering young minds and nurturing their potential is commendable. We are immensely grateful for their support in promoting mental well-being, leadership skills, and positive attitudes among our students. It was a pleasure to participate in such a meaningful celebration.”

Regional General Manager Anna Gaitt commented on the impact of the programs.

‘Since its inception, the Graeme Dingle Foundation has been making a remarkable impact on schools and communities across the South, the mahi we do is a true community effort as we work alongside our generous funders to support our youth. Through evidence-based programs like Kiwi Can, Stars, and Career Navigator, they have empowered countless tamariki and rangatahi to overcome challenges and set positive pathways for their future. It is my honour to lead this organisation forward and to be part of the journey and future of next generation”.

Deputy Chair, Dean Addie, said it was a privilege to be part of an organisation that makes such profound impacts on the lives of our tamariki and rangatahi. “Watching the kids perform waiata was really special as kids are the reason we do this” said Addie.

The new Regional Lead has a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and the schools are eagerly looking forward to working together with the Foundation to make an even more significant difference in the lives of their students.

The Mihi Whakatau was a heartwarming testament to the power of community and collaboration in supporting the youth’s growth and development. The Graeme Dingle Foundation continues to shine as a beacon of hope, guiding young minds to a brighter future.

The post Schools Unite To Welcome New Regional Lead To The Graeme Dingle Foundation appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

Established five years ago in Rotorua, Kiwi Can is the first step of a journey that takes young people through Graeme Dingle Foundation programmes at different stages in their schooling. It sets a foundation of values and life skills that the students take with them through school and into later life.

Targeting students from years 1-8, Kiwi Can delivers interactive and engaging lessons throughout the school year. The programme is designed to empower students, building resilience and confidence as they face their futures. Kiwi Can is an all-inclusive, 12-month programme that involves every child within a school.

Robyn Skelton, Te Ati Awa Nga Rahiri at Graeme Dingle Foundation in Rotorua, explains that the initial funding for Kiwi Can came from five Rotary Clubs. Subsequently, funding from Rotorua Trust has aided the integration of Kiwi Can’s values within schools and the homes of participating children, facilitating their personal growth.

Moreover, the Rotorua Trust funding has facilitated the expansion of the local Graeme Dingle trust, enabling the coverage of the child’s school cycle from primary school to the end of high school. Presently, the local trust encompasses Kiwi Can, Stars Teina, Stars Teina Matakoa, and Career Navigator.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation, the organisation behind Kiwi Can, has been working with New Zealand’s children and youth since 1995, using a combination of classroom teaching and outdoor adventures. The Foundation’s vision is to make Aotearoa the best place in the world to be young, and their programmes, including Kiwi Can, Stars, and Career Navigator, reach over 26,000 young people nationwide each year.

In Rotorua, the Graeme Dingle programmes are tracking well, with six schools and 3,546 students participating in the 2023 programmes. Research conducted by the University of Auckland and Massey University has revealed positive outcomes for students, such as increased engagement with school and learning, improved interpersonal skills, enhanced resilience and confidence, and stronger community connections.

Overall, funding from Rotorua Trust has aided the expansion of the Kiwi Can Programme, resulting in positive outcomes for Rotorua’s children, including the development of values, life skills, resilience, and preparedness for future success.

The post Funding From Rotorua Trust Uplifts & Expands Kiwi Can Programme In Rotorua appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

If there’s one thing Claymark has learned over the past years of supporting charitable organisations, it’s the importance of ongoing, sustainable, and highly integrated partnerships, especially when your work is impacting the lives of thousands of local students.

Claymark is New Zealand owned and is the country’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products. As an employer of over 600 staff across seven sites throughout the central North Island, Claymark knows the importance of giving back to the community it operates in.

As part of the business’s commitment to the community, Claymark has already committed two years to an ongoing partnership with youth development charity, the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

The Foundation works to change the negative youth statistics in our own backyard. Their programmes, Kiwi Can, Stars, Career Navigator, Project K, Kiwi Tahi and MYND, support tamariki and rangatahi five to 24 years and have a direct impact on building resilience ensuring they can overcome life’s obstacles and thrive.

With a focus on mentorship, Claymark has been integral in the success of the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Career Navigator programme in Western Heights High School, Stars Teina in Rotorua Intermediate and Project K and Career Navigator in Katikati across Katikati College and Te Puke High schools.

“Throughout the last two years of our partnership we have been able to have a positive impact on over 1400 rangatahi in the Rotorua and Western Bay of Plenty Region. Claymark has funded Graeme Dingle Foundations programmes and integrated our staff into pro social community activities alongside tamariki and rangatahi” said Paul Pedersen, Executive Director of Claymark.

Paul, incidentally a former student of Western Heights High where Graeme Dingle Foundation now run their Career Navigator programme, said Claymark has directly helped several students into employment and future pathways. “Currently we have a Career Navigator student that has moved into an apprenticeship, one is working after school at Claymark and eight other students are exploring various pathways.” He said.

Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua Board Chair, Craig Tiriana expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support Claymark has provided students. “Claymark is supporting the future of rangatahi in Rotorua. By investing in Stars Teina, our intermediate school, values-based programme, they’re helping to build rangatahi who are confident, have life-skills and will contribute to our society. What an investment to make! We are humbled by Claymark’s support”.

The company’s impact doesn’t stop at school programmes, with their passionate teams having delivered two Career Navigator workshops in Rotorua, contributing to the upskilling of local teachers. Claymark employees have also been involved in mentoring students and have hosted workplace site visits for school cohorts in both Rotorua and Katikati.

Claymark’s commitment to investing in the community makes them a favourable local employer – a great place to work with so much to offer.

Read the original article here.

The post Ongoing Charity Partnership Champions Community and Young People appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

When Giovanna Burtenshaw joined Career Navigator she thought she’d join the airforce when she left school, but wasn’t sure if she was “good enough to get in – or how to go about it”. Fellow Career Navigator student, Livvy Procter was considering a job in the defence force, but her biggest concern was “making the right decision”. Both were keen to explore more options before they locked anything in. Both say the programme, and support of their mentors, was important for opening their eyes to possibilities.

Career Navigator is a programme run by the Graeme Dingle Foundation for senior college students. It partners students with mentors, guiding them through sessions on skill and knowledge development, and ‘worksite visits’ to discover a wide range of pathways.

One of the programme’s mentors, Janice Nield, explains “you can’t be what you can’t see, and Career Navigator is an ideal opportunity to see beyond what you already know, or what your family does for work”.

Janice is a Chartered Accountant working as Operations Finance Manager at Constellation Brands in Marlborough. Janice is in her third year as a mentor and enjoys seeing how Career Navigator “helps students grow in confidence and skills, and build a plan for their future”.

Giovanna and Livvy also attended the “Future of Work” youth conference and found it an “inspiring” event which likewise made them reassess what they could do for a career. They both emphasise the importance of having such opportunities available to Marlborough young people.

When they finished college, both applied – successfully – to Constellation Brands for permanent roles as Vineyard Operators. Giovanna works in the Dashwood Vineyard, and Livvy in the Spring Creek Vineyard.

“Through Career Navigator we discovered a career in viticulture is so much more than picking and pruning!” Giovanna laughs.

Janice says the “hardworking, practical young women” have made a “great impression”.

“They’ve experienced their first harvest and proved themselves in the most challenging time of the year in the vineyard”.

Livvy explains she was drawn to the opportunity by potential for career progression. “Constellation offers not just a job, but a career. There’s the option to do a global wine certification, and as a global company there are awesome pathways available to us”.

In a heartwarming example of things coming full circle, Giovanna and Livvy will represent Constellation Brands at the upcoming Future of Work. “It’s cool to ‘pay it forward’ and help inspire other young people, in a relatable way,” says Giovanna.

Constellation Brands has long been a supporter of Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough, and are now celebrating their first year of nationwide partnership, supporting the Foundation’s work across Aotearoa. They currently have cadetships available – and anyone interested can email tania.smith@cbrands.com.

The post Careers navigating the Constellations appeared first on Graeme Dingle Foundation.

A mentoring programme run by the Graeme Dingle Foundation at Marlborough Girls’College and supported by Marlborough Lines and Outward Bound, has been a “game changer” for students and school culture.

The programme, Stars, pairs all Year Nines with senior students trained by Graeme Dingle Foundation staff in mentorship. Students get together weekly to follow a programme that addresses life skills such as goal setting, time management, good communication skills and building positive relationships.

Marlborough Girls1 College principal Mary-Jeanne Lynch says Stars provides integral support for younger students with the often tricky transition into secondary school and adolescence while enhancing the resilience and mental health and wellbeing of students.

“Stars follows the tuakana teina model which goes hand-in-hand with our school values,” Mary-Jeanne says.

“In our case big sisters (tuakana) support their little sisters (teina) to help foster whanaungatanga – a strong sense of self, their place in the world and a strong set of values – all of which puts them in a great place to excel at learning and thrive and contribute within their communities.”

All students taking part in the programme, together with their whanau teachers head away to Outward Bound on an adventure camp, where students can bond while building resilience and working together as a team.

Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough general manager Kelvin Watt says the outdoor components, led by professional outdoor facilitators help draw out the key learnings which are all based on the school’s values.

The feedback we hear from students and teachers is that the shared experiences they have together on camp are invaluable for providing a deeper connection that they don’t have the opportunity to do in the classroom,” Kelvin says.

Stars was rolled out at Marlborough Girls1 College in 2020 as a pilot for the region, and was made possible by the region’s electricity distribution company Marlborough Lines, which has committed to donating $80,000 a year towards the camp, for five years.

The funding has been “huge” for the school and students, they say.

‘The fact that everyone can go to camp and not have to pay is huge, that accessibility and equity is a really important component of the success of the programme,” Kelvin says.

“Not only has the Stars programme helped our students develop a whole host of invaluable life skills, but there has also been a reduction in the number of stand downs and suspensions since the programme began,” Mary-Jeanne says.

“We are very fortunate and privileged to have the support of Marlborough Lines, Graeme Dingle Foundation, Outward Bound and our teaching staff to deliver this amazing programme to our students.”

Preparing for natural hazards The recent climate related events, including Cyclone Gabrielle, have served as an unfortunate reminder of the natural hazards present in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Marlborough Is not Immune, with large earthquakes, high winds, flooding and/or land movement all possible.

Marlborough Lines’ entire network is supplied by Transpower’s transmission grid. A failure of the transmission grid could result in a network wide power outage for Marlborough, even if Marlborough Lines1 network is fully operational.

While our electricity network generally does not have regular and/or prolonged outages, we encourage you to consider your own circumstances in the (unlikely) event that you are without power for a considerable period of time as a result of a natural hazard.

Whether you are a business dependent on electricity for manufacturing or production, or someone living at home whose health Is dependent on electrical devices, we strongly encourage you to consider your backup electricity supply needs.

Please contact Marlborough Lines if you have any questions about this issue, our friendly team is here to help.

Safety disconnections Painting, clearing roof spouting or undertaking other maintenance close to live overhead service lines is very dangerous. To stay safe we recommend that you arrange for the power to be temporarily disconnected.

Marlborough Lines needs at least 72-hours’ notice (three working days) to arrange your safety disconnection. H you provide more notice, you will have more options to choose a time to suit you.

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A call to ensure children disengaged with schooling don’t fall through the cracks. Newstalk ZB can reveal almost 10,000 children aged between five and 13 are not enrolled in formal education. The Ministry of Education says multiple factors are at play including the Omicron outbreak at the start of last year, as well as transfers of students to different schools. Graeme Dingle Foundation Research and Evaluation manager Julie Moore says all children have a right to go to school. 

If they’re not enrolled in and they’re not receiving any education, then definitely parents should be held accountable. 

Meanwhile, Act’s education spokesperson Chris Bailey says the Government simply can’t keep blaming COVID for the problem. 

We need to really drum it in that education is incredibly important. The most important thing for a child success. 

Source: Newstalk ZB (Christchurch), 27 Apr 2023

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