Latest news with #Y-Drive
Otago Daily Times
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Team's work to support learner drivers recognised
Y Drive team members (from left) Sharyn Kake, Liz Law, Ange Rattray, Jacinta (Jax) O'Connell-Shanks and Dave Blaikie, show the ''The Y that Catches the Eye'' award. Absent: Driving Instructors Kate Williams and Via Kaufana. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Following the Y NZ conference held in Wellington recently, The Y Central South Island's CSI Y-Drive team were recognised for their outstanding Driver Licence Support work across Oamaru, Timaru and Ashburton over the past 12 months. The team was awarded "The Y that Catches the Eye" award. "Y-Drive is a programme designed to open doors to members of our community who might otherwise miss out, it gives them the chance to be independent, self-sufficient, progress into employment and be socially connected," a YMCA spokesperson said. "Supporting job seekers, MSD clients, local Syrian refugees, local people and those that present barriers to success to become independent and safe drivers on our local roads, as well as our local taiohi [youth] with our public driving school with the proceeds of this social enterprise being re-invested back into Community Driving Scholarships. "Y-Drive has grown from 2022 when three driving instructors were employed, delivering more than 100 Class 1 driver licensing test passes. "Today, Y-Drive employs five active driving instructors, we have delivered to more than 1500 driver licence clients and in this last year we have helped more than 700 Class 1 driver licence hopefuls to pass their tests," the spokesperson said. "For the participants of this service, a driver's licence is the gateway for many to independence and creates wider opportunity. "[It is] more than just a licence to safely drive on our roads. Our successful participants gain confidence and empowers them to become independent, contributing and connected members of our local communities. "They can now transport themselves or family members to school or work commitments, sporting activities, doctor's appointments, undertake the grocery shopping and a myriad of other activities that those of us with a licence take for granted." — APL
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Otago Daily Times
Y-Drive programme, Y stalwart recognised
Long-standing YCentral South Island board member Barrie Suter shows off his Y New Zealand Presidential Award. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED The Y Central South Island has been named the recipient of two nationally recognised awards. Following the Y NZ conference held in Wellington recently, the CSI Y-Drive team received the Y that Catches the Eye award for their outstanding Driver Licence Support mahi, and long-standing Y board member Barrie Suter received the Y New Zealand Presidential Award for distinguished service to the Y Central South Island. Y-Drive is a programme designed to open doors to members of the community who might otherwise miss out and gives them the chance to be independent and self-sufficient, and to progress into employment and be socially connected. The programme has grown from 2022, when three driving instructors were employed, delivering more than 100 class 1 driver licensing test passes, to now employing five active driving instructors, delivering 1500 driver licence clients and in the past year helping more than 700 class 1 driver licence hopefuls pass their tests. In a statement, Y Central South Island chief executive Keith Shaw said he thrilled to see Mr Suter recognised. "Barrie was instrumental in establishing our YMCA Butler Street Trust and has continued to serve as an association trustee since inception. Celebrating their Ythat Catches the Eye Award win are Y-Drive team members (from left) Sharyn Kake, Liz Law, Ange Rattray, Jacinta O'Connell-Shanks and Dave Blaikie. "Barrie is a dedicated and hard-working trustee, who gives of his time freely and generously to support the mahi that we undertake in our communities. "This latest recognition for his support comes after he was awarded life membership of our local Y in May last year, and we are thrilled that Barrie continues to contribute significantly to both YMCA Inc and YMCA Butler Street Trust." Mr Suter joined the Y Central South Island board in 2013 and also served as its chairman for five years. — APL
