A programme focused on developing healthy lifestyles for Wānaka young people has been organised by the Wānaka Police in conjunction with a variety of other local businesses.

The BLAST (Blue Light Adventure and Skills Training) programme, aimed at Year 9 & 10 students and led by Constable Deane Harbison, has had two sessions.

The pilot programme will conclude prior to the Wānaka Alpha Challenge in December, where participants will be able to showcase the new skills they have learnt. 

Constable Harbison hopes that Blast will provide team building skills, offer education on healthy eating choices, and enhance the fitness levels needed to complete the Alpha Challenge.  

Participants will showcase their skills in the upcoming Alpha Challenge.

The Blast initiative has been tailored to the Wānaka community after Constable Harbison was involved in something similar when he was stationed on the West Coast. 

“Blast is a fantastic opportunity for the police to connect with our youth, and we even had three officers attend our second session this week. 

I meet the students after school and transport them in the First National community van to the Fit Collective where coach Andrew King runs a series of games, boot-camp style workouts and team building exercises”, he said. 

New World Three Parks have committed to providing healthy kai to those students involved in the programme, including fresh fruit and snacks to get them through their training. 

Snow Sports High Performance nutritionist Carolyn Cruden is providing education around healthier food choices, and how to adequately fuel the body for the Alpha Challenge. 

Kahu Youth is supporting Constable Harbison in delivering the programme, also offering their vans for transport. 

The Wānaka Police are already looking ahead for the future of the Blast Programme, with plans to launch a second round in 2022 and will continue working alongside Mount Aspiring College to recruit the next cohort of participants.

The programme is not possible without the support of the local community, and the Wānaka Police are grateful to those businesses who have helped get the pilot programme off the ground. 

PHOTOS: Supplied