Back to Blog

Heavy Transport Class 2

This was the biggest Class 2 group we have ever put through Transform with 12 on the roll.  With the increase in need for licensed truck drivers across the country these positions are being highly sort after.  I don’t have to advertise, as word of mouth saves me the trouble.  The roll is always full months in advance and some are happy to wait until next year just to secure a spot. On the first day we had 11 of 12 attend.  One guy broke his leg the day before, which put him...

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

We cannot believe how quickly the year is racing along.  With spring on our doorstep and the obvious signs of lambs and daffodils everywhere you look, it is no wonder Transform is full of life.  This term is our busiest with 15 programs being delivered.  From our personal development programs to Te Reo to parenting to drivers licenses to youth and Barista.  This well-oiled machine is in full forward motion.  The numbers have increased dramatically this term also.  O...

From the Managers Desk

Our signature men’s and women’s personal development programs continue to be the main focus of our organisation.  These programs meet weekly covering a wide variety of topics that help individuals to overcome their past hurts and traumas to move forward into a place of freedom. Many of our clients gain enough confidence to successfully obtain employment or go into tertiary education after completing our programs.  Once they make peace with their pasts, they are free to fulfil their...

Out of his comfort zone...

The men’s graduation guest speaker started by putting a jar on the table with $50 in it.  His bring your own swear jar with a hefty deposit in advance and made everybody laugh. The jovial mood was followed by complete silence as everyone froze in time.  Several times throughout his speech he had to pause to recompose himself.   We were told of the childhood horrors he lived through.  He endured beatings by those who should have been there to love and protect him. Inc...

April Newsletter

Check out our latest Newsletter...

Barista Training

This week we held a Barista Coffee Essentials program.  We had 17 students registered for the class and only 10 showed up.  I had several people pull out the day before due to covid related issues or babysitters had let others down, so they have booked in for next time.  Usually, I have a wait list, but I felt certain the interest was so high that I wouldn’t need one this time.  This was an all-ladies class and everyone got on like a house on fire. We had a new instructor A...

February!

We are very excited about the year ahead and all the people who will get touched by what we offer.  Men’s, women’s, parenting, Te Reo, driving and youth programs have resumed.  We are taking the necessary health and safety actions to keep everyone safe, so sessions can continue.  We have many new and familiar faces this term that have decided they want to see positive change in their lives.  We want to reach as many people as possible this year.  We know that when we...

2022!

Happy New Year. Transform Aotearoa opened its doors for 2022 this week. All staff were grateful for the break and even though we all have staggered starting dates we are happy to be back and getting the wheels in motion once again.  We have an amazing line-up of programs for the community this year.  We look forward to connecting with everyone over the next couple of weeks.  Let’s hope this year be even better than the last and we continue to get the opportunity to invest into p...

Christmas Time

It has been a very interesting year and we have done a clever job at sailing right through it despite all the waves.  The Transform ship has stayed intact and on target and as we pull in and anchor at Holiday Bay.  We would like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters near and far for your generosity.   To all the agencies for your continued partnership in making our region great.  And to all our clients who attend programs.  If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn�...

Class 4 Truck License

We had 6 people booked to do the program however only 4 turned up.  I had a family emergency and was unable to be here to assist with the program.  We still have no idea where they got to. The interesting story was that out of the blue last Friday evening I got a message from a chap who wanted to know if he could join the class 4 on Monday.  This has never happened before, and I was a bit flustered at the last minute.com entry.  However, once I ascertained that he met the cri...

Heavy Transport HT Class

We had five of nine, that registered to attend our recent Heavy Transport Class 2 program.  This group have raced through the material with ease.  Thankfully they all took my word to pre study, and they recognised that it did help considerably.  The first day the students were finished earlier than expected and popped over to the AA in Tokoroa to sit their learners. This is the first group to pass with no one needing to do a re-sit. On the second day everyone arrived bright and ea...

Spring is in the air

The lambs and calves leaping playfully in the fields is definitely an indicator that Spring is finally here.  We have sprung into action since the alert levels have changed and we are operating some programs in house while others have remained online.  We are confident we have all the requirements met to keep our staff and clients safe and well while on our premises.  Our numbers are not back to where they were, however, everyone continues to keep in touch any way they can.  ...

Covid-19 Lockdown

With the current lock down descending rapidly on us like a thick fog without warning, I thought it appropriate to encourage everyone to make sure you test positive for faith.  Keep your distance from doubt and isolate yourself from fear.  Trust God through it all.  We may not be able to change the circumstances that we are all in now, but we can change our attitude and choose to do it in style.  I am happy to report that our team has sprung into action connecting with our peo...

New Cars

Recently Transform Aotearoa was blessed with funding to upgrade the old Suzuki Swift fleet that were getting up in kilometres and starting to have regular trips to the mechanics.  Transform were able to purchase two Toyota Aqua Hybrid vehicles that have proven to be very economical at the pump and easier on the environment.  Staff have felt very spoilt with the new vehicles.  Transform’s Manger Kim Jepsen had a lot of help from Budget Cars Manukau.  Who were outstanding in ...

Cooking on a Shoestring

This month we started a new initiative, “Cooking on a shoestring”.  This is a program designed to teach those on low incomes how to make a little stretch a long way and still have nutritious and filling meals, especially when there are hungry tummies to satisfy.  I wrote this program 10 years ago and it has been implemented in a number of communities where making ends meet can be a work of art in itself.  The sessions show how either 250 grams of mince, 1 chicken breast or 3 s...

April Newsletter

Check out all the latest news from Transform Aotearoa in our April Newsletter...

Run with Good News

Check it out Transform Aotearoa made it into a National Magazine sharing about all that we do here in Putaruru...

February!

It is hard to believe we are already halfway through February!  Like each year we start full of optimism about the year and what it may hold.  In the past six week we have had several stories that have warmed our heart and it is certainly looking very promising that we are in for another good one.  Already we have had two successful driving programs with All Drive NZ with seven graduating the Defensive Driving course in January, now these young people can get six months off their ...

Happy New Year

Happy New Year one and all.  The year for Transform Aotearoa has begun like a hamster on a wheel.  From day one of opening our doors we have had visitors old and new, appointments, lessons to prepare and resources to gather to ensure that 2021 is a good year to remember.  Even though 2020 had it challenges, we still witnessed plenty of amazing things going on in people’s lives.  For us it is a matter of perspective and where you put your focus.  So, we are optimistic a...

Merry Christmas!

From all the staff at Transform Aotearoa Charitable Trust we want to say thank you for all your support over 2020. We take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe, love your family and we look forward to reconnecting in the New Year. Our office will be closed from Friday 18th December and reopening Monday 11th January. Season Greetings ...

6th Year Celebration

It was a beautiful day to celebrate another year of successes at Transform, about 50 people came together to support the event.  Guest speakers included Howard Goold TACT CEO, Ross Bay TACT Chairman, Bret Flemming Trinity Lands, Murray Hamilton District Police and Transform staff/ facilitators.  It was an enjoyable event sharing details on the successes Transform has had even though it has not been a typical year.   The stories that flow out of Transform on a weekly basis is...

Heavy Transport Class 4

It may have been a cold and wet day for the first ever HT Class 4 licence program with James Turney from All Drive NZ, but all the five participants were here bright and early and eager to get underway.  All those participating this time were pervious attendees of our class 2 with one as far back as last September.  They began their one-day training by sharing what they have been doing since James saw them last.  A beekeeper who transports hives all over the North Island says the ...

Spring!!!

You know Spring has arrived when the blossoms are out on display and the baby animals are frolicking in the fields.  A time of newness, warmth, and sunshine as we say goodbye to Winter for another year.  We are expectant that the new season will bring a richness of sight and sounds to our little rural community as we continue to deliver our amazing programmes.  Even though the restrictions of level 2 have hindered our routine we are making the most of the situation and doing our b...

Barista Training

In August we held another Barista coffee program with Industry Training Solutions.  We had 15 registered to attend but only 11 made it.  Health issues being the main reason for backing out which we are grateful for considering the season we are in currently.  All those attending were very happy the course was still running even though we were in level 2.  ITS had all the PPE required and those who were concerned moved apart where possible to allow for distancing.   ...

Heart Warming Stories

Over the past month and a half since we reopened our doors, we have had numerous individuals come to see us.  It has been good to see people face to face again and share their lock down journeys.     The Heart -Warming stories that we share every week are a testimony of lives changing around here for the better.  Every story is as unique as the person it involves.  We know that every person who walks through our doors has a destiny and a purpose that only they can f...