John, Helen, Paul, my mum Caron, our distinguished guests, my Right Track friends and all our families, thank you all for being here.  My name is Tyler and although I’m normally not that comfortable standing in front of a crowd, tonight’s different. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to acknowledge every . . . → Read More: Learner’s speech from a recent Hamilton Programme]]> Right Track

John, Helen, Paul, my mum Caron, our distinguished guests, my Right Track friends and all our families, thank you all for being here.  My name is Tyler and although I’m normally not that comfortable standing in front of a crowd, tonight’s different. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to acknowledge every one of you for believing in me enough to provide tools and experiences that have completely changed my attitude to impaired driving.

I am guilty of driving while drunk. Yes I believed there were stupider things to do – even if it was a very short list. I personally made this choice and immediately, began to suffer the consequences. I say “suffer” because I believed that’s what it was. I was “persuasively encouraged” to attend the Right Track course by the judge at my initial hearing and, although my license wasn’t surrendered, 10 weeks of traveling to Hamilton with my mum to be told all the reasons why – as a repeat criminal, I was an idiot, definitely wasn’t something I was looking forward to. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Over the past ten weeks, every weekly session has had an indescribable impact on what I want for my future. We have met some incredibly inspiring people, faced the horrendous sadness and sorrow of lives changed or cut short, the reality of so many professionals facing completely avoidable devastation in their everyday life – and even worse, the ripple effect every incident creates. It takes over 8,000 bolts to assemble a vehicle – and just one nut to scatter it all over the road. I am so thankful that I have been lucky enough not to be that nut.

Going forward – post Right Track, John’s hard case mannerism’s, Helen’s “very important looking” clipboard, six foot tall Paul’s lame jokes, Dean’s opening karakea’s, the teamwork, camaraderie and support of everyone here will never be forgotten – even if it is sometimes while laughing! My biggest lesson however, came from Tamati Paul when he said “Please, please, please take care not to shatter my dreams of your future.”

Unto whom is given, much is expected” (thanks Paul – very profound!). With all that I am as I stand in front of you all, I hope Tamati’s words never leave my head.

In closing, and summing up all kinds of impaired driving, this bumper sticker caught my eye: “Toot if you love God – text if you want to meet him.”

Thank you.

What an excellent group of learners and supporters; they were actively involved from the start of the day and remained attentive and interested throughout despite it being a hot humid day – a further testament to . . . → Read More: Waitakere Programme February Session 2]]> Yes I know it’s Saturday night and that I am compiling the Evaluations!!! I must get a life!

What an excellent group of learners and supporters; they were actively involved from the start of the day and remained attentive and interested throughout despite it being a hot humid day – a further testament to the marvellous presenters who came and shared their time and experiences today!

Paul from SCU ( a Trakker from way back) had not lost any of his skill and enthusiasm in sharing his expertise; Rachelle was in great form; Tim was superbly honest and open; andGarywas the star of the day; thank you everyone for making this a memorable day in the lives of those that were there. A big thanks to John “the golfer” for giving his time today to come and assist with the programme management and especially to Constable Marty for sharing his day and to Henderson Police Station once again for letting us use the facility.

The Evaluations reveal a connected, genuine group who are already involved in the experience. There is a seamlessness between learner and supporter which aids with the process and I am looking forward to a very successful programme. Some of the comments suggest that the information garnered today will be put into action immediately, it will be interesting to discuss with the participants their experiences as the programme evolves.

Next session is with the Kumeu Volunteer Fire Brigade team at Kumeu on Wednesday starting at 7.00pm – see you there.

The November Waitakere Programme is underway with a great welcome last night:

Thank you Waitakere District Court, Kaumatua Piripi, Judge Tremewan, Jo Fergusson, Bridie Murphy, Clifford, John, Louis and everyone else involved including Ian and Kevin from NZ Police and of course Gary and Jack for all the help. The whakatau was . . . → Read More: Waitakere November Programme begins]]> Hi everyone,

The November Waitakere Programme is underway with a great welcome last night:

Thank you Waitakere District Court, Kaumatua Piripi, Judge Tremewan, Jo Fergusson, Bridie Murphy, Clifford, John, Louis and everyone else involved including Ian and Kevin from NZ Police and of course Gary and Jack for all the help. The whakatau was welcoming, the tour through the cells (including the surprise package in one of them) memorable and the sentencing riveting; the experience reached different learners in different ways and the entirety was both successful and effective.

Some of the standout learner comments are:

“It made me think about choices that I’ve made in the past, choices that I can still make to be safe on the road.”

“Heaps! What am I doing here? Why am I here? Was doing heaps of self reflection as to the bad choices I have made.”

“That if you like choices then don’t be in court because you don’t have choices once you are in the system”

…and just something for you Judge Tremewan from one learner…” mihi whakatau to reka o tona reo. Ha mihi hoki ki a ia, a koptou o te ara tutuki pai e whakataina tenei kaupapa rangatira”

The interviews were interesting and revealed a group that is open to change and ready to learn – welcome to the journey!

Next session Saturday starting at 08.00am at Henderson Police Station – The Ripple Effect.

John

The list of those that contributed towards the enormous success of today is extensive, I am extremely grateful for all those involved and for all the time. Effort, care and expertise that has been given to make this . . . → Read More: Hamilton Session 6]]> OUTSTANDING – Thank you Hamilton for a great day, even the weather was kind to us!!

The list of those that contributed towards the enormous success of today is extensive, I am extremely grateful for all those involved and for all the time. Effort, care and expertise that has been given to make this a memorable day:

Williams Salvage and Laurie, thank you for the car wreck and taking time to help set up the scene; Ashley and the other four actors, brilliant; NZ Police – thank you Marcus for all the organisation, Paul, Cindy and the two officers in attendance at the scene; NZ Fire Service Chartwell Rescue Team – superb; St.John Ambulance – fantastic; Jenny, Grant, trauma team, Jodin and his mum, Waikato District Health Board; Roz and Martin Williams from Martin Williams Funeral Services; and of course Alf Filipaina – there are so many more behind the scenes including the awesome Linda Hall from Hamilton City Council who works tirelessly behind the scenes in getting the funding and making the facilities available – the list just goes on and on – how wonderful!!!

The group were excellent in all aspects of the day and were marvellous at the crash scene in the way they reacted; the respect they show the presenters, the way they respond to questions and overall their supportive attitudes towards each other have been outstanding, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that there has been a great deal of learning going on by all!

Thank you again everyone, I look forward to Graduation on Wednesday – see you all there.

John