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National | Education

Marae-based driving course to benefit youth

Eight young people were welcomed onto Papakura Marae to participate in the "Ready for the Road" drivers education course.

It is a week-long marae-based course designed for high-risk youth to work on their attitudes and behaviours towards driving, resulting in them getting their learners licence.

The course is a collaboration between the New Zealand Police, facilitated by Harmony Trust and sponsored by Auckland Transport.

The participants have been referred by Police. Most of them have come to Police attention in the past, particularly for driving while unlicensed.

Road Policing Manager Inspector Alison Brand, says, "The benefits of a course like this will not only reflect on the students but also the whole community especially the driving community."

Papakura Marae CEO Tony Kake says, "the marae will support any initiative which is focussed on our youth, and with outcomes that benefit the community, bring more confident and safe drivers onto our roads, and eventually could get them jobs, it's a positive kaupapa all round."