“Rainbow’s End Funday is about creating fun, positive interactions between Tamariki and Police, where trust and confidence can flourish outside the classroom.” Says Tineke Laing, School Community Services Officer, NZ Police, in the Auckland City District on the 182 young people they took to Blue Light’s Rainbow’s End Fundays, held last weekend, on 7 and 8 September 2024.
Rainbow’s End Fundays sees Police, who volunteer their time with Blue Light through a unique MOU, not only support and interact with young people, but also join them on the rides such as ‘Stratosfear’, ‘Fearfall’ and ‘Invader’.
“It’s about being able to provide Police with an opportunity to engage with young people in a relaxed and enjoyable setting so they can build positive connections” says Blue Light CEO Brendon Crompton.
Photo Above L to R: Three young people and Auckland Police Officer on Rainbows End Fear Fall ride 7 and 8 September 2024.
“As School Community Officers, we are often the first positive interaction Tamariki have with Police. Being seen in a different, relaxed environment helps to build trust and confidence between Tamariki, schools, the wider school community, and Police,” Tineke added.
Auckland Blue Light’s participation was generously supported by Blue Waters Community Trust, who sponsored tickets for young people to attend.
Fundays sees young people selected by Blue Light branches as far away as Kaikohe in the North, and Taranaki and Turangi Blue Light in the South. The annual Rainbow’s End Fundays, which have been run by Blue Light for over 30 years, also rewards young people for their school attendance, behaviour and service roles to such as road patrollers and peer mentors to attend.
While the young people were racing around on rides, Blue Light staff and Green by Nature volunteers kept the food flowing with a non-stop BBQ cooking a total of over 3,000 sausages over the Fundays event.
Blue Light would like to thank its partner Green by Nature, local community sponsors and supporters that enabled so many young people to attend Rainbow’s End Fundays this year.
Photo Above L to R: Green by Nature volunteers with Green by Nature Director Cameron Parr and Blue Light CEO Brendon Crompton with Police and young people attending Rainbow’s End Fundays 7 and 8 September 2024.
About Green by Nature
Green by Nature designs breathtaking landscapes and open spaces, transforming blank blocks into stunning destinations. We craft vibrant environments that imbue developments with a sense of place. Drawing on our 120-year heritage as green space nurturers, we are powered by Green Options, Recreational Services, Skyline Landscape Services and Super Gardens. Green by Nature exists to drive positive change to green spaces, communities, and our environments across Australasia.
