Limited Service Volunteers

The mood was very celebratory in the Council Chamber this morning with the graduation of six Limited Service Volunteers following a six week motivational training course run through the New Zealand Defence Force.

Congratulations to Francois Tangimetua, James Biddle, Niria Rika, Ethan Cuff, Savea Daniel-Malietoa and Jimmy Rika for completing the course. Savia passed with merit and was also presented with the Warrant Officer of the Defence Force Leadership Award; Francois passed with merit and Jimmy, James, Ethan and Niria all passed with achievement.

The aim of the course is to increase the number of young people entering employment or training by improving their self discipline, self confidence, self belief and initiative. Recruits dress in army gear and are subject to military law; walking at 5.30am, they are kept busy until 10pm with a variety of physical and mental challenges.

Local business man Frank Aerts was the guest speaker and he spoke to the group about the Trade Training Centre, what employers look for in employees, punctuality and responsibility.

Mayor Sinclair was both pleased and proud to present the certificates. "It was an absolute pleasure to host these young people. The skills learnt over the six weeks is sure to stand them in excellent stead as they face their futures."