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Howard's Heart for a Transformed Aotearoa

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Hard to describe the devastation . . .

Five of our men from the life group went down to the Hawkes Bay to be muscle power shifting loads of silt at a winery.  Danny said it was hard to describe the devastation that met them when they arrived.  Logging trucks that were fully loaded tipped on their sides.  Cars on their roofs.  A house that had lifted off its foundations and went on an adventure 2 km up the road.  Water-soaked furniture piled into heaps beside the roads.  Homes destroyed, lives in tatters ...

Barista Course

Recently the Barista program took place.  There were 14 students that attended.  Everyone was very nervous about the class but as usual the amazing tutors had them laughing and enjoying the experience.  We had a couple of young teenagers in the group.  Both not wanting to stay at school, and this was one way to give them a little qualification to fall back on if they decide to follow through with their pans to exit high school early.  There was a mother daughter tea...

Class 2

We had ten eager students ready to launch into the heavy transport program. For many this is the first time they have had to study in years. I could see the strain in their faces as they prepared to go to the AA to sit the HT learners. Eight of ten passed while the others need more time before they go. One guy failed three time his confidence hit rock bottom and he was very hard on himself as we talked on the phone. I gave him heaps of encouragement and suggested he go back on Thursday afte...

Class 4 Truck Licence

Recently we ran our yearly class 4 program for four gentlemen.  They were all so appreciative of Transform offering this program to help them get ahead. We had a young guy who told his boss he was doing a free course to get his class 4 and needed time off to do it.  The boss got nervous knowing that he could get a better offer and leave his current employment.  He said having the class 4 will open all kinds of opportunities for him.  He is only 21 and said that over the ...

Merry Christmas!

Transform has had an amazing year and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support of the work we do here in this rural community.  We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We look forward to returning in the New Year ready and eager to continue to make a positive difference in our town....

Official handover

This week we had the official handover of the Transform van from Trinity Lands to us. A simple intimate occasion to honour our funders and the hard-working individuals who had a hand in making it a reality. About fifteen of us met down on the section beside the St John’s Hall, which is a far nicer place to gather than in the carpark behind our building. Thankfully the weather was good to us, and the proceedings happened without the need to dash undercover to escape the rain. Afterwards eve...

Many Hands

Our men’s life group was out and about recently helping to stack firewood rings for one of our locals who really appreciated the manpower to clear the felled tree on their property. Danny commented that ‘many hands made light work’ and everyone enjoyed the mahi without bursting their boiler. He said the berry muffins that were provided afterwards were an extra bonus. At the end they were thanked for their assistance only to have the men thank the lady in return for inviting them to come....

Whakahonohono Mai Graduation

A lovely group of ladies attended the recent graduation. Everyone had a chance to share about what session meant the most to them and why. Topics like self-control, love languages, whanau dynamics and who am I, were mentioned repeatedly. Our guest speaker Jade Hohaia and creator of our programs spoke to the ladies and encouraged them to build something that will last; build something you know you can; and grow something for the next generation. She said you are the fulfilment of your ance...

Heavy Transport Class 2

This was the biggest Class 2 group we have ever put through Transform with 12 on the roll.  With the increase in need for licensed truck drivers across the country these positions are being highly sort after.  I don’t have to advertise, as word of mouth saves me the trouble.  The roll is always full months in advance and some are happy to wait until next year just to secure a spot. On the first day we had 11 of 12 attend.  One guy broke his leg the day before, which put him...

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

We cannot believe how quickly the year is racing along.  With spring on our doorstep and the obvious signs of lambs and daffodils everywhere you look, it is no wonder Transform is full of life.  This term is our busiest with 15 programs being delivered.  From our personal development programs to Te Reo to parenting to drivers licenses to youth and Barista.  This well-oiled machine is in full forward motion.  The numbers have increased dramatically this term also.  O...

From the Managers Desk

Our signature men’s and women’s personal development programs continue to be the main focus of our organisation.  These programs meet weekly covering a wide variety of topics that help individuals to overcome their past hurts and traumas to move forward into a place of freedom. Many of our clients gain enough confidence to successfully obtain employment or go into tertiary education after completing our programs.  Once they make peace with their pasts, they are free to fulfil their...

Out of his comfort zone...

The men’s graduation guest speaker started by putting a jar on the table with $50 in it.  His bring your own swear jar with a hefty deposit in advance and made everybody laugh. The jovial mood was followed by complete silence as everyone froze in time.  Several times throughout his speech he had to pause to recompose himself.   We were told of the childhood horrors he lived through.  He endured beatings by those who should have been there to love and protect him. Inc...

April Newsletter

Check out our latest Newsletter...

Barista Training

This week we held a Barista Coffee Essentials program.  We had 17 students registered for the class and only 10 showed up.  I had several people pull out the day before due to covid related issues or babysitters had let others down, so they have booked in for next time.  Usually, I have a wait list, but I felt certain the interest was so high that I wouldn’t need one this time.  This was an all-ladies class and everyone got on like a house on fire. We had a new instructor A...

February!

We are very excited about the year ahead and all the people who will get touched by what we offer.  Men’s, women’s, parenting, Te Reo, driving and youth programs have resumed.  We are taking the necessary health and safety actions to keep everyone safe, so sessions can continue.  We have many new and familiar faces this term that have decided they want to see positive change in their lives.  We want to reach as many people as possible this year.  We know that when we...

2022!

Happy New Year. Transform Aotearoa opened its doors for 2022 this week. All staff were grateful for the break and even though we all have staggered starting dates we are happy to be back and getting the wheels in motion once again.  We have an amazing line-up of programs for the community this year.  We look forward to connecting with everyone over the next couple of weeks.  Let’s hope this year be even better than the last and we continue to get the opportunity to invest into p...

Christmas Time

It has been a very interesting year and we have done a clever job at sailing right through it despite all the waves.  The Transform ship has stayed intact and on target and as we pull in and anchor at Holiday Bay.  We would like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters near and far for your generosity.   To all the agencies for your continued partnership in making our region great.  And to all our clients who attend programs.  If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn�...

Class 4 Truck License

We had 6 people booked to do the program however only 4 turned up.  I had a family emergency and was unable to be here to assist with the program.  We still have no idea where they got to. The interesting story was that out of the blue last Friday evening I got a message from a chap who wanted to know if he could join the class 4 on Monday.  This has never happened before, and I was a bit flustered at the last minute.com entry.  However, once I ascertained that he met the cri...

Heavy Transport HT Class

We had five of nine, that registered to attend our recent Heavy Transport Class 2 program.  This group have raced through the material with ease.  Thankfully they all took my word to pre study, and they recognised that it did help considerably.  The first day the students were finished earlier than expected and popped over to the AA in Tokoroa to sit their learners. This is the first group to pass with no one needing to do a re-sit. On the second day everyone arrived bright and ea...

Spring is in the air

The lambs and calves leaping playfully in the fields is definitely an indicator that Spring is finally here.  We have sprung into action since the alert levels have changed and we are operating some programs in house while others have remained online.  We are confident we have all the requirements met to keep our staff and clients safe and well while on our premises.  Our numbers are not back to where they were, however, everyone continues to keep in touch any way they can.  ...

Covid-19 Lockdown

With the current lock down descending rapidly on us like a thick fog without warning, I thought it appropriate to encourage everyone to make sure you test positive for faith.  Keep your distance from doubt and isolate yourself from fear.  Trust God through it all.  We may not be able to change the circumstances that we are all in now, but we can change our attitude and choose to do it in style.  I am happy to report that our team has sprung into action connecting with our peo...

New Cars

Recently Transform Aotearoa was blessed with funding to upgrade the old Suzuki Swift fleet that were getting up in kilometres and starting to have regular trips to the mechanics.  Transform were able to purchase two Toyota Aqua Hybrid vehicles that have proven to be very economical at the pump and easier on the environment.  Staff have felt very spoilt with the new vehicles.  Transform’s Manger Kim Jepsen had a lot of help from Budget Cars Manukau.  Who were outstanding in ...

Cooking on a Shoestring

This month we started a new initiative, “Cooking on a shoestring”.  This is a program designed to teach those on low incomes how to make a little stretch a long way and still have nutritious and filling meals, especially when there are hungry tummies to satisfy.  I wrote this program 10 years ago and it has been implemented in a number of communities where making ends meet can be a work of art in itself.  The sessions show how either 250 grams of mince, 1 chicken breast or 3 s...

April Newsletter

Check out all the latest news from Transform Aotearoa in our April Newsletter...