“Rurea taitea kia tū
ko taikākā anake.”
"Shake off the soft white sapwood; let nothing but the strong heartwood stand here."
Stevee Knox
"The Pearanui youth program changed me into a better person. I joined in May 2022 and ever since then I have been on my haerenga of finding who I am and what I want to do with my life. Matua Ole and Māmā Edna have really pushed me to be better and to keep me on the right path. I have reached out a few times when I’m stuck and they always give me amazing advice and put me in the right direction. Every single youth group leader is amazing and makes everyone feel so welcome. We are one big whānau that always have each other’s backs. Our group is about helping others, spending love and positivity. Pearanui was one of the best things to happen to me for my teenage years."
Ngā mihi
Louisa Knox
"Kia ora, Ko Louisa Knox ahau
I am the mother of Stevee and she has been going to Pearanui for the past two years. I have watched my daughter flourish and her confidence grow thanks to the Kaitiaki of Pearanui. Pearanui has given Stevee another Whānau. A Whānau that is full of amazing Role Models, support, guidance and who encourages our tamariki to expand their horizons. The commitment and care that Pearanui put into our tamariki is above and beyond any group of this type I have ever encountered in my life. Not only do Pearanui support our tamariki but they take them out and show them how to help our communities in need. Just beautiful people full of aroha. I am very grateful that Stevee has Pearanui in her life, and that she is part of something amazing." Ngā mihi
Mereana Hanrahan
"Ole and Edna are both real champion’s for all people. They walk alongside rangatahi, pouring their heart and soul into creating a loving and safe environment where these rangatahi can learn practical life skills and communication skills to give them the best future possible. They have provided a place for these young ones to be known and loved and helping them see themselves with a hopeful perspective to then create healthy relationships with people around them. In my experience they have shown me what hard work looks like, giving me a better work ethic and valuing people around me. I’ve been incredibly blessed by who they are and their life, and will always be incredibly thankful for them."
Kasey Anderson
"The Pearanui Youth Program is dedicated to nurturing and empowering our youth with confidence to step out of their comfort zones whilst also instilling resilience and other key values through a diverse range of activities such as swimming, surfing, sports games, and community service initiatives. Helping some of our local communities with their gardens is one of the many ways we give back to our community.
Pearanui youth program encourages youth to discover new passions and develop crucial life skills. We have also been on excursions to neighboring towns to meet other programs like ours that share the same passion, values, and aspirations as us. Creating these opportunities gives our youth the sense of belonging to the wider community, it also creates a supportive environment where young people can thrive and contribute positively and confidently to their communities. I first joined Pearanui when I was 16, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to travel to Vanuatu with the program. Where we endured in sight-seeing, visiting local schools, playing sports with the kids, and getting involved with the local community. For example, we did gardening, lawn mowing’s, and helped where needed to show our appreciation to the community. We also attended night church services where we performed some waiata and haka for the locals. From this experience I realized I had gained a passion for helping people, youth especially. The experience paved a pathway for me that would eventually lead me to becoming a full-time youth mentor 2 years down the track.
I am now 21 and am currently still attending the program as a helper/mentor. I am also a Youth Mentor/Trainer at the Tauranga Boxing Academy under the umbrella of the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust. This year 2024 I am currently studying at Toi Ohomai, Windermere campus aiming to achieve my level 4 certificate for fitness to become a qualified Personal trainer and group instructor. I have found a passion in working with youth through physical activity to help them achieve their goals and become the best versions of themselves."
