"Helping people reach their potential"
iSports
The iSports programme was established in 2018 in partnership with secondary schools to help support the Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust run the Interschool Activities for the local primary schools.
iSports Lead
Hutia Edwards has been the iSports coordinator for the past 18 months. She plays a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring the iSport students and ensuring they are supported in their learning experiences.
Hutia works extremely hard behind the scenes to support the activities that are coming up in the Interschool Activity calendar. A lot of professional development planning is required to ensure the students are prepared when they are officiating at events.
Mission
Develop learners who engage in and gain
skills in real sporting experiences and event management, which may lead to possible learning pathways and career options.
Vision
A learning hub for personal development, gaining expertise, and giving back to the community through a sporting focus.
Expectations
Be Safe
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
HAVE FUN!!!
Values
INTEGRITY - We uphold our values
SUPPORT - We help and provide a voice for all youth
POSITIVE – We have a positive attitude and are positive role models
OPEN MINDED - We are open to learning new ideas and knowledge
RESPECT - We treat others as we would like to be treated
TEAMWORK - We learn and work together
STRENGTH - We keep going when things get hard
The iSports programme engages rangatahi in a development journey. Various competitions are facilitated by Taumarunui Youth & Community Trust (TYCT), serving as a platform where rangatahi learn, practice, and apply new skills across a variety of areas:
Sports & Recreation – Exposure to interschool activities and pathways
Event Management – Hands-on experience planning and delivering events
Media & Communications – Storytelling, promotion, and digital content creation
Leadership Development – Opportunities in officiating, delegation, and mentoring
Throughout the programme, rangatahi receive ongoing mentoring and support while being encouraged to develop self-management, initiative, and accountability.
In recent years, the Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust has introduced an innovative approach to engage with the local youth by implementing the iSports internship programme in collaboration with the area's secondary schools. Established in 2018, this programme aims to support the Trust in organising Interschool Activities for the local primary schools while offering high school students valuable opportunities and pathways in the sports field. The iSports internship programme not only equips students with essential skills related to officiating and refereeing in sports but also offers them a comprehensive understanding of event planning and setup.
The iSports internship programme is a commendable initiative by the Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust, as it engages high school students in meaningful activities and serves as a platform to develop their skills and interests in sports. By involving secondary students in the planning and execution of interschool activities for local primary schools, the programme fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the students while also providing them with practical experience in organising sports events. This hands-on approach to learning is invaluable in cultivating essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and organisation, which are necessary for personal and professional development.
Furthermore, the iSports internship programme is crucial in promoting sportsmanship and fair play among the youth. Through their involvement in officiating and refereeing sports activities, the students gain a deeper understanding of the rules and regulations governing various sports, enhancing their knowledge and skills and enabling them to impart this knowledge to younger participants. By actively participating in the organisation of sports events, the students also learn the importance of upholding fair play and ethical conduct, thus contributing to the overall positive and inclusive sporting culture within the community.
Additionally, the iSports internship programme opens up pathways for high school students to explore potential career opportunities in the field of sports management and event coordination. By gaining firsthand experience in event planning and setup, the students are exposed to the various aspects of organising sports activities, including logistical arrangements, scheduling, and coordination with different stakeholders. This exposure helps them develop a practical understanding of the complexities involved in managing sports events. It allows them to consider potential career paths in sports administration and management, broadening their horizons for future endeavours.
Moreover, the collaboration between the Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust and the local high schools through the iSports internship programme underscores the importance of community engagement and youth empowerment. By involving high school students in meaningful community initiatives, the programme cultivates a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the local community while empowering the youth to contribute to the development and well-being of the community actively. Through their involvement in the iSports internship programme, students gain practical skills and experience and become ambassadors for positive change within their community, serving as role models for their peers and younger participants.
The iSports internship programme initiated by the Taumarunui Youth and Community Trust exemplifies a proactive and innovative approach towards engaging with the local youth and fostering a sportsmanship and community involvement culture. By providing high school students with opportunities to participate in sports officiating, event planning, and setup, the programme equips them with valuable skills and experiences while also promoting a sense of responsibility and empowerment. As a result, the iSports internship programme serves as a model for effective youth engagement and community collaboration, with far-reaching implications for the development of young individuals as well as the overall well-being of the community.
Participant Outcome
Greater confidence to participate in activities and initiatives
Improved leadership skills to facilitate and drive community events
Increased sense of purpose and identity, contributing to mental and physical well-being
Feeling more supported and valued within their community
Development of specialised, transferable skills
Enhanced community connectedness and belonging
Stronger cultural identity and pride
Opening Hours
Staff can be contacted by phone or email.
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm