Temaru Teaukura is no stranger to his granddad’s fishing boat, but the 16-year-old is scheduled for quite a different sort of nautical adventure come September.
Temaru (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Tūhoe and Rongomaiwahine) was stunned to hear his name called out in school assembly last month as the recipient of a Spirit of Adventure Trust scholarship, gifted by Fisher Windows Tasman.
The Motueka High School student says he had been asked to be part of a haka tautoko (haka of support) during the assembly and had willingly agreed to take part.
“I didn’t know it was going to be for me!” he says with a laugh.
He was previously selected for Whenua Iti’s Ignite programme, a three-year youth leadership programme based around outdoor skills.
The award was presented by youth workers from Motueka’s The Spot, who were approached by the owners of Fisher Windows Tasman to help select a deserving recipient.
The Spot manager, Tamanui Uerata, says Temaru has been involved with the youth hub since it opened last year and has always shown himself to be a leader.
Tamanui says the 16-year-old is respectful with staff and other rangatahi and is well liked by his peers.
When recommended for other opportunities, Temaru has “shown up and shown out”.
“Temaru is a young man full of integrity, resilient, empathy and humility,” Tamanui says.
“He’s a natural born leader so we know he’s a great candidate to embark on The Spirit of Adventure and further develop those leadership qualities.”
Tanya Goodman, who co-owns Fisher Windows Tasman with her husband Wayne, was wiping away tears at the high school presentation last week. She says it is wonderful to meet the recipient and hear about their background and why they are considered a good fit for the scholarship.
She explains that Temaru will be sailing on the Spirit of New Zealand, the vessel used by the Spirit of Adventure Trust. The trust was established by Fisher Windows founder Lou Fisher in 1972 to give youth the opportunity to embark on voyages focused on personal development, teamwork, and leadership - not just sailing skills.
Temaru will set sail on his 10-day voyage on 24 September, two days after his 17th birthday.
