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A new initiative in 艑tautahi Christchurch is growing in popularity as young w膩hine take a break from their studies to make connections and get active.

W膩hine T奴, W膩hine Ora began three years ago at Ara Te P奴kenga (the merged institute of technology and polytechnics) to help encourage and empower its w膩hine to try new endeavours and bond with like-minded individuals through active recreation. 

Through T奴 Manawa Active Aotearoa funding via Sport Canterbury, the programme has employed two co-ordinators, who are also students, to plan and run activities. 

Best of all, the events, which so far have included mountain biking, ice skating, bowling, waka on the Avon, matariki star gazing and yoga, are free. 

鈥淲e know finance and wh膩nau are two huge barriers 膩konga (learners) face when studying, along with their mental health and social opportunities for connection with others,鈥� says Ara Te P奴kenga student life team lead Meg Nelis. 

The events attract young w膩hine but also their friends and/or wh膩nau, including mothers, aunts, sisters or tamariki.  

Meg says the activities enable w膩hine to focus on something different, reboot the brain and escape from screens. 

In her last year of architectural technology, Greymouth 21-year-old Keely Gorrie joined the programme to meet new people and experience what Christchurch has to offer. 

With no student allowance and having worked fulltime for two years to fund her accommodation and food while studying, it鈥檚 given her a chance to experience activities not normally within her budget. 

Meg says the positive w膩hine connection has boosted her own mental wellbeing, increased her confidence and has done amazing things for study success, progression, and retention of 膩konga, a true win-win. 

Taryn Trusler became a co-ordinator after first taking part in W膩hine T奴, W膩hine Ora. 

Taryn had previously found mountain biking and surfing intimidating but after having lessons she鈥檚 bought a wetsuit and wants to buy a surfboard and bike one day. 

Now, Taryn and her fellow co-ordinator Priscilla Thoms, who she introduced to W膩hine T奴, W膩hine Ora, are empowering others.  

鈥淗aving something exciting to look forward to can be incredibly motivating for a student who may be faced with a long period during which many of these simple pleasures may not be feasible to do financially,鈥� says Taryn. 

Priscilla says taking part in new activities as a group reduces the fear associated with trying something new because everyone is in the same boat. 

鈥淭his programme is making a real difference in people's lives, and I'm grateful to be part of such an amazing initiative,鈥� says Priscilla. 

Looking ahead, an additional T奴 Manawa funding boost will allow the programme to grow and reach and engage more w膩hine. 

鈥淲ith Ara鈥檚 recent joining with Te P奴kenga, the 膩konga network we care for in 艑tautahi is likely to grow as we welcome those at satellite campuses based here to our shared spaces, so it鈥檚 super exciting,鈥� says Meg.