Wairoa’s leading youth development group is turning 20 this month and celebrating with an extra funding boost thanks to Hawke’s Bay Foundation.

Following on from the Foundation’s cyclone relief injection in 2023 and a grant through this year’s funding round, The Wairoa Young Achiever’s Trust (WYAT) can now make plans for its 2025 intake of students to its nationally recognised CACTUS (Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit) programme.

Running for the past 16 years in Wairoa, CACTUS recently completed its 32nd intake and Chief Executive Denise Eaglesome-Karekare couldn’t be prouder.

“The programme’s impact is significant, especially in the transformation we see in the rangatahi aged 13 to 18 who participate. The physical and mental growth of these young individuals is frequently noted by parents, teachers, and siblings. Its positive impact on the Wairoa community is immeasurable. As a recently retired Senior Sergeant remarked, ‘I believe CACTUS is one of the reasons youth crime in Wairoa has dropped.” This speaks volumes about the programme’s effectiveness.’”

The CACTUS programme has sat at the heart of WYAT for two decades. The elite, volunteer driven initiative offers an eight-week leadership and life skills training programme for young people at Wairoa College, with two intakes graduating each year. CACTUS provides life skills training, career education and one on one mentoring.

Each course begins with an early morning hour long training session three times a week based on physical training exercises. Sessions are typically led by an ex-army colonel and supported by ex or current police officers, WYAT team members, caregivers, fire service, community and local business members. The programme is renowned for helping youth develop self-management, time management and self-discipline.

“The courses are both physically and mentally demanding, requiring participants to meet high standards of behaviour and achievement. Success in CACTUS demands tremendous commitment, passion and drive from the students,” shares Denise.

Susan Tipuna’s three sons completed CACTUS 30, 31 and 32 respectively, “I’m so proud of all my three sons. CACTUS has bought all our Kura kids together and made them stronger both physically and mentally.”

Grandparent Vaughan McNabb has seen firsthand how CACTUS is proving life changing for graduates.

“The discipline and routine is great for teenagers. Structure, fitness, consequences, teamwork, learning how to be young adults and law-abiding citizens and future leaders. An opportunity not to be missed.”

Denise says the programme’s volunteers are the heart and soul of its success.

“This programme is fully run by volunteers, from our instructors, support crew, cooking and laundry crew to administration for the programme. CACTUS operates purely on volunteers’ efforts and relies solely on donated funding to continue. Our heartfelt thanks goes to Hawke’s Bay Foundation for backing what we’re doing.

“Our volunteers generously give their time and commitment twice a year for eight-week terms, and without them, CACTUS would not have thrived for as long as it has. To date, over 800 rangatahi have graduated from the CACTUS programme.”

The longevity of CACTUS can be attributed not only to its volunteers but also to the youth who push themselves to complete the programme and go on to become leaders in their schools, communities, and whānau. Denise hopes its legacy will continue.

“WYAT’s key objectives for the next five years are to continue making a positive difference in the lives of rangatahi by creating meaningful employment and training opportunities and supporting them in becoming contributing citizens. Since our inception, we have assisted over 2,000 youth, and we look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary this month.”

Hawke’s Bay Foundation is pleased to be able to support WYAT and through its CACTUS programme, enable youth in Wairoa to strive, and thrive.