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Fifteen young people supported by youth charity Springboard were treated to a day of inspiration and rugby action at North Harbour Stadium last month, thanks to a partnership between Kennards Hire, the Kennards Hire Foundation and Springboard.
The group toured behind-the-scenes areas of the Albany stadium, met North Harbour Rugby staff and players, and watched the Bunnings NPC clash between North Harbour and Taranaki from VIP seats.
Along the way, they heard first-hand stories of leadership, resilience and teamwork.
North Harbour NPC manager Brad Boult shared lessons he applies both on and off the field, while Kennards Hire NZ general manager Richard White encouraged the rangatahi to forge their own paths.
“Not having taken the typical ‘suit and tie’ career route to get to where I am today, I want to help kids see that there’s more than one path to success,” he said.
Springboard general manager Dan Gray said opportunities like this were invaluable.
“Our young people are rarely exposed to experiences beyond their day-to-day. It opens their eyes to new possibilities and shows them people who believe in them.”
North Harbour Rugby chief executive Adrian Donald praised the initiative, saying it reflected the union’s values of community and connection, while Kennards Hire Foundation chief executive Mei Ling Ho added that the day was about much more than sport.
“Many of these players have faced challenges of their own. This was a chance for our young people to see what’s possible, and to believe in themselves.”
Kennards Hire Foundation has partnered with Springboard to help empower disadvantaged youth across Aotearoa since 2018.
