Press Release
10 March 2011

Kiwi Can Charitable Trust Whangaroa, a not for profit youth development organization, announced today The Great Whangaroa Raft Race. Set for Saturday April 9th, 10am-2pm, this inaugural event challenges local schools, clubs and businesses to design, build and race their raft up the beautiful Whangaroa Harbor.

“Kiwi Can is a life skills and values programme for 5-12 year olds, delivered in primary and intermediate schools, and we wanted to create a fun event that reinforced our Kiwi Can values, whilst generating community spirit in Whangaroa,” says Kiwi Can Co-ordinator, Kate Moss. “There’s nothing more fun than a raft race, some war paint, school chants and interschool camaraderie to get the fun started.”

With confirmed raft entries from the 6 schools participating in the Kiwi Can programme; Te Tii, Kaeo, Hato Hohepa, Totara North, Kaingaroa, Oruaiti, and Whangaroa College, representing over 250 students; the day is expected to be full with lots of energy and fun.

“We have also invited guest entries from Taipa, Peria, Mangonui and Matauri Bay schools and have a pre-school/junior Rubber Ducky Race planned for the local daycare, kindy and playcentre children. Rubber Ducky’s can be purchased on the day and all proceeds from this race will go to the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

“To compliment the school races and make a great day of it, were calling for entries from the greater local community with an Open Category,” says Ms Moss. Kiwi Can, and any youth development organization, is only working in the backdrop of its community and its so inspiring for youth to see businesses, clubs and families reinforce the values of setting goals, perseverance and teamwork, and participate in community events. Close communities and an association with successful teams are motivating and inspiring for our children, and we want to see as many teams as possible fostering the team building-community spirit and racing in this event, says Ms Moss. Entry in the Open division is $25 per team and we need your registration by March 30th, says Kate, so get creative, rally the spirits and make a commitment to race and take out the number one raft spot.”

Entertainment, stalls and water displays will be sure to keep the family amused between races and prizes will be awarded for first raft across the line, water safety, team spirit and much more. “We are in the process of gaining sponsors for our key prizes, and would welcome any support, NPC graphics have already been incredibly supportive with the signage, but as a not-for-profit we would love any help,” says Ms Moss.

Rules and entry details are available on the official Kiwi Can website www.fyd.org.nz or contact Kate Moss directly; phone 021404514, whangaroa.raft.race@gmail.com

Come support your school, youth and community!

About Kiwi Can

Kiwi Can is a life skills and values programme for 5-12 year olds, delivered in primary and intermediate schools. It's a whole school programme with all children attending a Kiwi Can lesson once a week, every week of the school year. The programme promotes a can-do attitude and encourages children to take responsibility for their actions. Kiwi Can is one of three programmes currently run by the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) whose aim is to inspire all school age New Zealand children to reach their full potential through programmes that help build self-esteem, promote good values and which teach valuable life, education and health skills. The programmes have the potential to significantly benefit New Zealand through a youth population who are better educated, have enhanced employment prospects, greater self-esteem and are healthy and motivated.

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