Whitianga Teen Wins Peers' Choice Award

Blue Light Camp gives new perspective

“Do it!” challenges Lliam Mirko to his fellow teens after winning the Peers’ Choice Award at Blue Light’s recent Life Skills Camp, held at the Whenuapai Air Force Base in Auckland from July 22–26, 2024. “Blue Light’s Life Skills programme ran really well, was organised, and we had all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds.” “It really opens your eyes.” Lliam comments. 

Lliam, 16, who attends Mercury Bay Area School in Whitianga, impressed his fellow participants, Blue Light staff, and Defence Force personnel to win his Peers’ Choice Award shared that he was “really proud of himself” and that he had gained "a new perspective and outlook on life along with resilience, responsibility, and discipline.” 

While on camp, Lliam had the opportunity to go inside a New Zealand Airforce Hercules 130 aircraft and took part in experiential learning experiences including the high and low ropes. He enjoyed the “physically challenging” aspects of the course including the mountain biking. 

Blue Light’s Life Skills Programme Coordinator Stefanie McGregor states that “Lliam volunteered as duty trainee on the second day of camp, and as no-one else volunteered he did this all week. He ensured all the other young people on camp knew what instructions were given, as well as helping them complete them. He was also responsible, as time keeper, for ensuring the instructions were completed on time.” 

Assistant Principal at Mercury Bay Area School Sarah Holmes, who referred Lliam to the camp said, "I’ve been so appreciative of the opportunity... and his whanau were super proud to see him engaging positively in this experience.” 

Looking ahead, Lliam is excited about his future opportunities. "The Blue Light 100-Person Leadership Camp and the LSV course are next for me. At school, I am aiming to get Level 1 NCEA," he shared 

Blue Light’s highly successful Life Skills programme has been run by New Zealand Blue Light in partnership with the NZ Defence Force for the past 12 years and has adventure-based experiential learning as a key part of the programme. The programme provides 14-17-year-olds with critical life skills such as self-development, self-control, and teamwork that will enable young people to be successful at home, school, communities, and employment. 

Up to 12 courses are held each year in Auckland, Trentham, Central North Island and Burnham locations. 

For more information about the Blue Light Life Skills camps visit www.bluelight.co.nz. 

Blue Light is grateful for the support of the sponsorship of the Lion Foundation and community supporters. 

New Zealand Blue Light 

Blue Light is a not-for-profit charity that works in partnership with the Police to create positive connections between young people and the Police, helping young people find direction, fun, and a sense of belonging within their communities, enabling young people to develop life skills, leadership skills and find employment opportunities. 

Blue Light believes that it is through the empowerment of disadvantaged youth to reach their full potential that their overall well-being can be improved and in turn the well-being of their communities. 

Blue Light achieves this through removing the barriers for disadvantaged youth to participate positively in the community, through both its national and locally-based programmes, activities, and events. 

Blue Light’s work in the community is unique – it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We have 78 local branches working with NZ Police to create meaningful experiences for young people in their regions, including cultural, sporting, and educational activities that are alcohol, drug, and violence-free. 

Although Blue Light is supported by Police, the two operate totally independently. 

For many participants, the programmes decrease the risk of youth offending and becoming victims of crime through access to positive role models, time with other young people away and the opportunity to see the world outside their current environment. 

Blue Light originally began in Australia as a community policing initiative and remains strong in all states. As well as in New Zealand, it is now active in the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Cook Islands, and Scotland.