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If you've just touched down at AKA Education Group Auckland Campus, buckle up for a journey through culture, community vibes, and an avalanche of fun. Auckland Anniversary Day isn't just a day off or a holiday; it's an epic celebration of our incredible city's history and the vibrant spirit of its inhabitants. And guess what? AKA Education Group is totally on board with the festivities. This past 29th of January, the campus was buzzing with excitement for Auckland Anniversary Day, spearheaded by the creative mind of the DTCH team and our awesome programme leader AJ Aledron and Clinical facilitator Rhea Chang. Newcomers were thrown right into the mix, immersing ourselves in the local culture with awesome crafts and activities that had Auckland written all over them. It felt like the city's warm hug, welcoming us into its fold. The event was chock-full of games and activities that celebrated our newfound affection for Auckland. It’s pretty amazing when you think about it. Many of us come from places far and wide, where Auckland was just a name on a map. Now, it’s home—our second home—where we live, laugh, and celebrate like true Aucklanders. Celebrating this city, our second home, in the grandest way possible just feels right. So, to every new face on the AKA Education Group Auckland Campus: you're getting the loudest, most enthusiastic welcome from us all. You're about to embark on an adventure where education stretches far beyond the classroom walls. You've joined a community that's all about innovation, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge—and yeah, a whole lot of fun, too. Here's to embarking on this new chapter together and making Auckland not just a place you study, but a place where you truly belong.

A Day of Reflection and Aroha In the spirit of commemorating one of Aotearoa's most significant national days, our class, under the guidance of our programme leader, embarked on a meaningful journey to CHT St. John's to celebrate Waitangi Day. This special occasion was made possible thanks to the warm invitation from the dedicated DRT team at the facility, shout out to Elizabeth, the amazing Cheryl who is also one of our senior classmates, and their remarkable colleagues, who welcomed us with open arms. Waitangi Day, a pivotal moment in New Zealand's history, marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It's a day that reflects the partnership between the Crown and Māori, intended to ensure the protection of taonga (treasures) and the rights of both parties. Celebrating this day at CHT St. John's with the residents provided us an unparalleled opportunity to connect on a deeper level with the essence of this treaty, beyond the confines of our classroom. Our group had the privilege of performing waiatas (songs) that resonated with the hearts of everyone present. These performances were more than just musical renditions; they were a bridge connecting us, the performers, with our audience, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. The korero (talks) that followed allowed for an exchange of stories and experiences, enriching our understanding of each other's lives and perspectives. But perhaps the most profound aspect of our visit was the shared Aroha (love) with the whānau (family) there. This wasn't just about the expression of kindness or affection; it was about demonstrating respect, empathy, and the willingness to support one another, principles that are at the heart of Waitangi Day. Through this activity, our theoretical knowledge of Waitangi Day, gained from classroom lessons, was transformed into a tangible experience. It was no longer just a historical event to learn about; it became a living, breathing reality that we could feel and participate in. The principles that the Treaty of Waitangi embodies were vividly brought to life, allowing us to truly understand the significance of this day. Our visit to CHT St. John's was a powerful reminder that Waitangi Day is more than a historical commemoration. It's a day that challenges us to reflect on our past, appreciate our present, and work together towards a future where the values of respect, unity, and Aroha are paramount.

Kia Ora e te Whānau Ngā mihi o te tau hou! Happy New year! A New Year is already underway with our students returning for the beginning of 2024! To celebrate and bring joy and creativity to our fellow Kauri students our class was tasked by AJ to create a craft that embodies the “Best of Summer,” something that would be special and meaningful for residents at rest homes. With that in mind, from the comfort of our own homes we set to the challenge, and each showed up the following day to class with our creative pieces. Each of us admiring our compadres efforts of beauty and joy that they produced. Above shines our beautiful sun, flowers adorn our board, with fantastic mobiles, fans, signposts, coconut trees, beaches, and creatures from the sea. It is so colourful and distracting that it is good that it is at the back of our classroom, as I would be distracted from our next formative task. We look forward to sharing our journey with you throughout the year and are excited to reunite with our fellow clinical students to enjoy their progress towards becoming a Diversional and Recreational Therapist. "He rau ringa e oti ai." – Many hands make light work. This project has been a beautiful testament to the power of collaboration and shared creativity in bringing the spirit of summer to life. Nga mihi Jill

Rewind to November 2023, and you'll find AKA Education Group Auckland Campus buzzing with something pretty awesome – our own take on Movember! This wasn’t just about growing epic 'staches; it was our way of shining a light on serious stuff like men's mental health, suicide prevention, and fighting cancer. So, picture this: It's Wednesday, November 15, and we’re all geared up to make a splash in men's health awareness. We had this cool line-up of activities that were not just about having fun (which we totally did), but also about getting the lowdown on men’s health. First off, we kicked things off with our Karakia, followed by belting out the New Zealand National Anthem and a moving Waiata. Got to say, it set a pretty epic vibe for the day. Then came the main event – four super cool activities that had everyone talking and learning. We had the CrossFit Challenge, which was all about getting everyone moving and showing how staying active is key. Next up, Kahoot! – a digital quiz game that turned out to be a hit, with everyone teaming up and diving into questions about men’s health. Arts & Crafts was up next, and let me tell you, it was a blast. We all got creative, cutting out stars, drawing moustaches, and writing supportive messages. It was all about spreading positivity and good vibes. The Posing Game (Yoga) was like the cherry on top. We had to strike yoga poses matching the ones on screen. Talk about a challenge, but it was hilarious and showed us how important it is to stay flexible, in more ways than one! Behind the scenes, my buddy Rohit and I were like the traffic cops, making sure everything ran smooth. Big shoutout to our tutors Rhea and AJ, and all the amazing students from the Diversional and Recreational Therapy Programme who helped pull this off. The day was a massive hit! We all left feeling pumped, more informed, and connected. It was a day full of laughs, learning, and some serious moves (both in yoga and Kahoot!). Looking back, it’s clear how important it is to have these moments – to get together, have fun, and support each other. It was more than just a day; it was about taking a step towards breaking the silence around men’s health and making sure we’re all in this together. Here’s to making more moves and keeping the conversation going!

On November 8, 2023, our anticipation soared as we hosted a cultural celebration, warmly welcoming both new and returning students to our flourishing whanau. The honor of showcasing our talents to everyone fills us with pride, highlighting the unity and camaraderie that defines our community. Early in the morning, the team diligently organized attendance sheets, stickers, and activity stubs, ensuring a smooth flow for the day. Gratitude to our diligent Class leaders led by our board, Rohit, Sheena and team who ensured meticulous planning. The Freeman's Bay Community Hall, with its expansive space, accommodated our 400-strong gathering. Our program commenced with a heartfelt Karakia, the New Zealand anthem, and a waiata. Despite initial jitters, the strong sense of brotherhood on stage eased any anxieties. Opening ceremonies by Sheena and Varinder set the tone, and musical interludes by AJ and Alex captivated us. The "Find Your Partner Game" fostered connections among students, breaking the ice. The cultural dances, representing the Philippines, India, and Iran, held profound significance as expressions of respect and understanding for diverse traditions. A Māori haka showcased our unity and pride. Inspiring words from mentors Sharon and Matt added depth to the event. We are honored of their presence a symbol of the strong support. After the program, the audience spontaneously broke into an impromptu dance party, where we shared the joy of each other's company and celebrated cultural diversity through dance. The tutors and even the marketing and admin team, fully involved, turned the scene into a snapshot of one big, happy family. I eagerly anticipate more adventures and experiences, grateful to be part of a group that fosters positivity in our learning environment. Let's continue to embrace warmth, health, and inclusivity as we embark on this journey together. Proudly spreading positivity, we look forward to what the future holds. Here are some reels from the event, do check them out! Don't miss the photos below! :D https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzXn-ijPoRU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzYgPfRPfMJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzcIYjByJEZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Each year on the month of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated internationally – A month to increase awareness of the disease, raise funds for research of its cause, treatment and cure. It was a Wednesday the 11th of October when we celebrated the breast cancer awareness month at AKA Education Group Auckland Campus. The perfect way to show our support to all the woman who is going through breast cancer, and to raise awareness about breast cancer, to educate every student about its symptoms and prevention is by gathering the students to play different meaningful and educational activities. It was with overflowing excitement to be leading the facilitation of the celebration of breast cancer awareness month at the campus, specially working alongside my bright classmate Varinder who has been hands on with most of the beautiful decorations around the campus. We have planned a total of 6 meaningful and fun activities for all the students and we couldn’t be more Grateful for our tutors Rhea and AJ who has been full on support with the plans that was made for that day and of course the Diversional and Recreational therapy students that made it all possible to make the day even more exciting, educational and fun! Starting off by all the facilitators wearing pink shirts and dresses and pink ribbons to honour the survivors, to remember the ones whose passed and to support the progress of fighting the disease. Pink balloons were everywhere the campus, which resembles hope, love and faith. We made sure that each and all students were able to show their support for the Breast Cancer survivors and the ones who are still fighting with our Arts and Crafts which was headed by my passionate classmates Cheryll, Rose and Maheep. By making pink origami paper hearts, all the students get to draw and write a letter inside the paper hearts with their thoughtful messages to the ones who’s going through breast cancer. An activity that provides emotionally stimulation for the students. Bra Pong is one of the activities which is played Internationally on a breast cancer awareness month so we thought it will be a good idea for all the students at kauri academy Auckland campus to try and experience it, with a twist by adding a quiz a way for them the good to know information about this celebration. By throwing a ping pong ball inside the bra that is hanged and answering a question related to breast cancer. My classmates Jill, Daniela and Milet were the ones facilitated the game which made it more fun with their cheerful personalities. The next game is called Pink Ball relay. This game has challenged the student physically as they have to pass a small ball to the next person me to the next with the use of a paper until they get to the goal. I must say this game has also thought them about working as a team as each class were divided in half to make it even more challenging, students have shown happy faces and shared laughs with this game. The following game is flip the cup game. This game gives each player or student’s that no matter how hard it is to have the cup land as needed they still need to keep going to achieve their goal as a team. A game that awakens the hope for each and everyone. The next game that was enjoyed by all the students is the tic tac toe, it was headed by my energetic classmates, Sam, Glenise, Jane and Sarmila. Two teams were divided on each group with a goal to score and win, with the use of a balloon that is shaped into ribbon and a circle. The viewers also enjoyed watching the game. It did catch everyone’s attention due to the excitement and laughs brought by the students and facilitator. Students had different strategy in winning the game and it was just fun to watch! Last but not the least of course is the bean bag toss game, which was facilitated by the talented Anshu, Parmeet and Shane. The group were divided in to two teams. This game was loved and was truly meaningful as the students were given words related to breast cancer awareness and each student alternately had to complete the word by tossing the bag to the letters set on the floor. It has also shown team work on each side of the team! Looking back on that day as I write this piece, I can remember how genuine all the students are at AKA Auckland Campus by them showing so much interest in learning and just them being present in the moment. It was an amazing day filled with joy, laughter, knowledge and fun for everyone

In the world of art, inspiration often knows no bounds, and this couldn't be more evident in the remarkable journey of Mickey Espino. As a graduate of the Kauri Academy DTCH programme, his path to artistic success was unconventional but deeply inspiring. Mickey's recent invitation to showcase his artistry at the prestigious Harcourts Artex National Exhibition and Sale in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, was a testament to his incredible talent. This event, exclusive in its own right, provides a stage for 70 hand-picked artists from across Aotearoa to exhibit their masterpieces. For me, Mickey's story is personal. We, a group of friends who transformed into family through our time at Kauri Academy, wouldn't miss the opportunity to support him on this monumental occasion. A four-hour drive was but a small sacrifice for a momentous celebration. But what makes Mickey's journey truly remarkable is not just his artistic transition, but the synergy he creates between his work as a Neurotherapist and his devotion to art. His signature art series, inspired by the Japanese philosophy of "Kintsugi," reflects his perspective on life - embracing imperfections and weaving them into something beautiful. What sets Mickey apart is his wisdom in managing dual passions. He advises, "Work hard and work smart. Time is a precious commodity, so manage it wisely. Persevere, but also take care of your well-being." The weekend spent reuniting with my Kauri Academy family was a beautiful extension of this journey. We weren't merely there to support Mickey but also to fill our cups with the joys of camaraderie, art, and shared experiences. It's the enduring impact of Kauri Academy - transforming friends into family and creating lifelong connections. During our heartwarming reunion, we took a special trip to St Matthew's Church in Hastings, the home to some of Mickey's magnificent art pieces. It's awe-inspiring to see how Mickey's holistic approach to wellness extends to his spiritual domain. His work not only touches hearts but also connects souls. Mickey's masterpiece, "The Gaze of the Coastal Heroes - Longboard piece," became an instant favorite among us, a symbol of inspiration and a reflection of his artistic philosophy. As we continue to celebrate Mickey's achievements, we look forward to more opportunities for him to illuminate the world with his beautiful mind and compassionate heart. Mickey, keep soaring!

Now, you might be thinking, "What's so special about Labour Day?" Well, let me tell you, it's not just another day off from classes; it's a day with a whole lot of history behind it. So, what's the deal? Labour Day is all about celebrating the eight-hour working day. Back in the day, our forefathers (and mothers) realized that we're not robots – we can't work 24/7. So, they said, "Hey, each day should have eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for having a blast!" Fast forward to 18th October 2023, and we find ourselves at Potters Park in Mt Eden, ready to keep this tradition alive. And guess what? I was lucky enough to be the one facilitating the whole shindig as my Culminating Activity with the DTCH Students. Now, it's worth noting that Mother Nature wasn't exactly in the mood for a sunny celebration that day – it was a rainy one. But you know what they say, "When life gives you rain, put on your raincoat and dance in the puddles!" So, we didn't let the weather dampen our spirits. We had a blast, guys! We played games, laughed, and made memories that will last a lifetime. And let me give a shout-out to my amazing classmates and mentors. They were there, rain or shine, helping me every step of the way. Teamwork makes the dream work, right? The best part was the smiles on our faces. We showed that we're a bunch of resilient, fun-loving students who can bring our own sunshine, no matter the weather. Rain? Who cares! We made that Labour Day memorable, and that's what life is all about, my friends. So, as I am about to step into the big, wide world after this last hoorah in my programme, I will truly remember the essence of Labour Day. It's not just about work; it's about balance, leisure, and making the most of every moment, rain or shine. We're the future, and we've got the spirit to tackle whatever comes our way. But before I sign off, I want to send out a heartfelt thank you to the mentors who guided me, the classmates who became friends and turned into family. You've been my constant support, my partners in laughter, and my strength through it all. Without you, this journey wouldn't have been half as fun or as fulfilling. I am very thankful about this programme. This journey really changed my life. I came into the programme without any idea what Diversional and Recreational therapy is, and I am now coming out ready to change the world one life at a time. Thank you to everyone. You have changed me for the better. To all aspiring students who are at the beginning of their journey, I want to say this – keep on. It's all worth it! It may seem tough at times, and you might question if you're on the right path, but trust me, the transformation and knowledge you gain along the way are priceless. You're embarking on a journey that will shape you in unimaginable ways, just like it did for me. Your adventure is just beginning, and it's going to be incredible! So, let's go out there, chase our dreams, and continue being the sunshine in our own lives and the lives of those around us. Here's to a bright, sunny future, even on the rainiest of days! And to my mentors, classmates, and friends-turned-family – you're the real MVPs! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Growing up as a kid it brings me so much joy and excitement everytime we were celebrating United Nations Day at school with my teachers and classmates because it's always full of vibrant colors, festive atmosphere, and a cheerful celebration. This year marks the 78th year anniversary of United Nations Day in which the main goal is to unite people together and build camaraderie among all of us in peace and love and in bringing hope to continue thriving for world peace. E haere tahi mai ana i runga i te kotahitanga aroha rangimārie me te tūmanako. The main goal of this week's theme is to ensure that we continue the tradition of coming together in peace, love, unity, and hope. United Nations Day aims to protect human rights, promote social and economic development, and provide aid around the world in cases of crisis. I am very much honored to be able to celebrate United Nations with my schoolmates in AKA Auckland Campus under the caring wings of our program leaders AJ and Rhea and in which the engaging activities were meticulously prepared by Jane and was also spearheaded by the ever-diligent John. It was a beautiful Wednesday morning and each team from different rooms were busy finalizing in setting up our presentation before we start our activities. Everyone was wearing either their brightly coloured national costumes, our own country's flag stickers or a dress that represented the colours of our flags. We fervently started our activity with our Karakia followed by New Zealand's national anthem and a heartfelt waiata. Most of the students just got back from their school break and this is great transition for them to start their week strong. Our class was divided into 7 groups including the traffic enforcers which are usually the main activity facilitators to maintain the order and proper flow of the students especially after each game. The first game was named Emoji Charade where students were divided into 3 groups. The students enjoyed the game as it exhibited their classmates' different comical facial expressions. The first player will be given the emoji, and he/she will imitate the emoji using facial expressions. When the time starts, the player will relay the emoji expression to the next player until it reaches the last prayer then last player will choose at the emojis flashed on the projector. Next game is called Word Connect which requires agility to come up with answers and making sure the spelling is correct and was written legibly to get a point. Each group will form a straight line facing the whiteboard. The facilitator will provide a category and will write a word related to the category. The last letter of the first word should always be the first letter of the next word. Another exciting physical game for the students is what we call Beer pong where the students were divided into 3 groups. Each of the group representatives was then asked to stand around 2 meters away from the cups and were provided with 4 Ping-Pong balls each. The players have to shoot the balls into the cup and whoever shoots first will have the chance to answer the United Nations themed questions flashed on the projector. The second group who was able to shoot a Ping-Pong ball in a cup will have the chance to steal if the first team was not able to answer the question right. The next game by far, which we called Number Game became one of the crowd favorites because we can hear the highly competitive students swiftly answer Math questions which requires a mental arithmetic skill. The class was divided into 4 groups. Each group will be seated where each member will have a designated number. Mathematical problems will be shown on the projector and the group will need to answer as fast as they can by standing and holding the number corresponding to the answer. As soon as the answer is formed, the team should then shout their group's chosen country name. The first group to show the correct answer will gain a point. Another game that stimulated the student's visual imagination is the Flag Game where the class was divided into 3 groups. Each group will have 1 representative who will be sitting in front and guess the flag being shown by the facilitator to the rest of the team. The representative will then ask questions about the flag and the only answer that the rest of the team may say is just either YES, NO or MAYBE. The representative will have 2 chances to guess which flag was assigned. Each correct answer represents a point and may answer as many as they can within 2 minutes. Last but not the least is our Arts and Crafts session which the students really enjoyed because they were able to express their thoughts subjectively and objectively about real essence of our theme to them and how it impacted them since majority are immigrants working towards their dreams and aspirations in life. The United Nations Day celebration resonated with the core values of peace, love, unity, and hope. This event united us as a global family, emphasizing the profound beauty in our diversity. In a time marked by divisions, it served as a compelling reminder of our shared humanity and collective responsibility to forge a better future, encouraging us to continue working together for a more inclusive and harmonious world. Reference: United Nations.(n.d.) Peace, Dignity, and Equality on a Healthy Planet. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/

Ko tōku reo tōku ohooho, ko tōku reo tōku māpihi maurea. My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul. Language is more than just a means of communication. It is how we build a harmonious civilization with working parts. Which is why we cannot let the Maori language be forgotten. This is an exciting time for all New Zealanders as we are in the age of cultural revitalization. One of it’s initiatives is to celebrate Te Reo Māori (the Māori language) and to use more Māori phrases in our everyday life. We celebrated Maori Language week with the lovely Anshu and Samantha organizing the day with different activities such as Picture Memory, Arts and Crafts (Poster Making), Pepa-Toka-kutikuti, Matau/Maui and Ta-tou Ta-tou I. Picture Memory Picture Memory is a game led by the amazing John, Jill, Fateh, Palam and Milet. In Picture Memory, the students are organized into groups and each group has a time limit to find each Maori picture pair. The group that has the most pairs wins! Each Winner Group got to pick out delicious lollies for themselves. What fun was this activity, each class was lively and competitive. A remarkable success for these wonderful leaders who brought their A-game to this activity! Poster for Maori Language Day The arts and Crafts session was led by the awesome Cheryll, Ritika, Mary, and Daniela (yours Truly). We organized the tables and chairs into groups of four and numbered them in Maori Tahi, Rua, Toru, and Wha. Each class came with a spark of creativity and created beautiful posters. After each class, we picked the best posters and hung them up to display. During the break, many people went into the class to admire the little art Gallery we had created. As one of the leaders of this group, we worked harmoniously together, and I hope to work with them again. Pepa-Toka-kutikuti Facilitating Pepa-Toka-kutikuti were the astounding Kevin, Krutika, Ankit, Roseberry and Sarmila Pepa-Toka-kutikuti is the Maori Version of Paper-Scissors-Rock with a twist, instead you use your whole body to gesture the paper-scissors-rock. With hands up for Pepa, Hands on hips for Toka, and hands in front of you for Kutikuti. The team leader will tell you to start the game and each group should shout together repeating Pepa-Toka-Kuti-Kuti, at least 3 times with action. After that, each team should shout with the one word that they have chosen with action. Each member should be involved while shouting with the same word that your team has decided to say, if any of the members are unfamiliar with the word picked by their team members or do not take part in the shouting with the team members, they will lose the game and suffer the consequences. The consequences being that they danced in front of the whole class to dances like the duck dance, Gangnam Style, and many other fun dances. They were the loudest group of them all, such passion for the game! Good Work Team! Matau/Maui Matau/Maui was led by the fabulous Vilna, Rohit, Chadani and Harman. Matau/Maui is a game that involves listening skills and speed. Matau means right in Maori, and Maui means left in Maori, while Hikoi means "walk." They will form one big circle, and each player will have a pool noodle. The participants will walk around, holding their noodle inside the circle for easy access. When Matau is called, a player will move to the right and catch the noodle from the person on their right. Conversely, when Maui is called, they will go to the left and catch the noodle from their left side. Not catching the noodle results in elimination. The last remaining participant will be the winner. Another activity with great reviews and much excitement. Everybody had fun learning new Maori words and brought out the competitiveness in everyone. Ta-Tou Ta-Tou I Ta-Tou Ta-Tou I led by the stupendous Varinder, Glenise, Jane, and Parmeet. To play Ta-Tou Ta-Tou I They must walk around before the leader shouts a certain name. The leader will shout "walk" in the Maori language, which is known as Hikoi. One of the Five Maori words is shouted by the leader, and these names are shouted in the Maori language. Each name has its own pose. After taking the pose, they must be in one group of that name, taken by the leader. Groups DESCRIPTION OF NAMES: Rangatira: Only one person is needed for this pose. Marai: Marai means house and will need two people for the pose. Awa: Awa is known as a river in Maori. So, they need three people for the pose. Waka: Waka is known as a boat. For this, they need four people for the pose. Tawa: Tawa is known as the warrior. For this, they need five people to pose. If they do not find their groups for the pose, they are out. I would like to give a shoutout to the extraordinary Traffic Control Officers Sheena, Ujjval, Anshu, and Sam! who managed the crowd and kept everyone on time. They made sure that each facilitator had a break. Extraordinary work officers! I hope everyone who had taken part on the day really learnt the meaning and the significance of Maori Language Week and not only had fun but also inspired to start in their te reo journey.

World Senior Citizens’ Day celebration was led by the wonderful Analyn and former student ambassador, Kevin. It is an opportunity to celebrate and appreciate our senior citizens for their services, accomplishments, and contribution to our society. Senior Citizens’ Day is a special occasion that fills the heart with great joy. It is a celebration that honors the wisdom, strength, and compassion of our beloved seniors. Prompts us to cherish the incredible moments shared with our elders, providing us with an opportunity to express appreciation for their inspiration and spirit. A day filled with heartfelt laughter, gentle hugs, and heartwarming stories, creating an atmosphere of love and reverence. So much love and thought were put into the activities for this Wednesday facilitation. Our participants were organized into five groups, each set to experience a unique journey within five distinct stations filled with informative and enjoyable activities; such as the classic game of charades, arts and craft, picture bingo, target shoot, Kahoot (my specialty). Charades is an incredibly enjoyable and engaging game that never fails to bring laughter and excitement to any gathering. It is a game that transcends language barriers and brings people of all ages together in a shared moment of amusement. The hilarious attempts to convey messages through exaggerated movements, impromptu miming, and sometimes, comical misinterpretations, create a light-hearted atmosphere that fosters camaraderie and laughter. Picture Bingo is like regular Bingo but with Pictures. Each person has a Grid with pictures and the Facilitators of the activity call out and show the picture. If the players fill out their sheet, they can call out BINGO! The winners of Bingo get their photos taken and put into the Board of fame! Arts and Craft: Making Tulips The Arts and Craft team really put out their best work on these beautiful tulips. They demonstrated how to make the Tulips with such ease and Grace. Once the students left the Arts and Craft room everyone was flaunting their Tulips, taking pictures of their Tulips, and even posting them on social media! The Arts and Craft team did an amazing job and should be enormously proud of their Tulips. Target Shoot Target shoot, a simple game to play to bring out the competitiveness of the students. Players need to take their place behind the line and aim for the five plastic bowling pins to try and knock them down. My goodness they were so loud! Everyone was excited and shouting for their teammates I could hear them through next door! The facilitators stepped up and hyped the crowd! Kahoot Kahoot is an online quiz that the facilitator must prepare beforehand with thought-provoking questions for the player to answer. Kahoot players were separated into groups of five and must work together to answer questions about the past. Each group had to produce an appropriate Group name for their Teams, one of my favourite Team names was Eagles. Students were eager to have their team name up on the leader board. The winners of the Kahoot got a high-five from yours truly as a prize. A shoutout to all the traffic control people who managed the crowd and kept everyone on time. I hope everyone that day went home and called their grandparents to wish them a warm Senior Citizens’ Day or did something to appreciate Elders. I know I did!

Every once in a while, life gifts us with moments that resonate deep within our souls, igniting our passions, and reminding us of the incredible journeys we're on. For aspiring Diversional Recreation Therapists (DRTh) in New Zealand, the National DRT week is one of those moments. It's a time to celebrate, learn, and connect with the magic of their profession. We are so lucky to have amazing facilitators in Kauri Academy who push us not only to complete our programme but to actually exhaust our full potential. For NZSDRT week this year our incredible programme leader, AJ, wanted us to be out there living the life of a DRTh and experience the magic first hand. First stop…celebrating Success with our Rawhiti Estate Whanau. Imagine stepping into a world where the achievements of those who've walked the path before you are celebrated with open hearts and joyful spirits. This is exactly what we witnessed. Kauri graduates, already soaring in the field, were honoured. We lit up the party with cultural dances and heartfelt acknowledgments. The presence of Helen, the General Manager of the organization, sharing an inspiring speech, reminds us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating each other's accomplishments. Second day kept the ball rolling. Rhythms of Unity… The national cardio drumming flash mob spearheaded by Ellen Romero, a Kauri graduate and recipient of this year's Judy Cooper National Excellence Award, is a testament to the power of unity and the ability of one person's vision to inspire and mobilize others. We participated and recorded our entry to this national flash mob. We cannot wait to see the final video of it. It was a packed second day. In the afternoon we went to celebrate with our Northbridge Lifecare whanau. A pivotal part of NZSDRT Week is introducing newcomers to the enchanting world of Diversional Recreation therapy. Celebrating with another Kauri graduate and her team at Northbridge Lifecare, these aspiring DRThs shared the magic of their roles with fresh faces, ensuring that the torch of inspiration continues to burn brightly. Third day is something many looked forward to. A Treasured Bond with St. Andrew's Village maintaining enduring relationships we have with them. The warm connections forged at St. Andrew's Village are a testament to the power of connection. Carmen, the company's Director of Care, reminded everyone that inspiration often lies within the stories and experiences of the people we serve. The final day of NZSDRT Week was a true labor of love, an overtime that nobody minded. It was a visit to CHT ST Margaret's, where the light of knowledge and experience was passed from Kauri alumni to the future DRTh generation. This inspiring gesture emphasized the importance of continuity and nurturing the growth of their profession. Beyond skills and knowledge, NZSDRT Week gifted us aspiring DRThs with connections and relationships that are as valuable as gold. Networking and building a supportive community are essential aspects of any profession, and these future caregivers have grasped this truth wholeheartedly. Our story of this year’s NZSDRT Week is a story of passion, dedication, and the commitment to making the world a brighter place through the art of diversional recreation therapy. To all the DRThs in New Zealand, know that you are amazing. Keep shining your light and making the world a brighter place every day. Links Rawhiti - https://www.facebook.com/NZSDRT/videos/629046592685507 Northbridge Lifecare - https://www.facebook.com/NZSDRT/videos/318193850792499 ST Andrew’s Village - https://www.facebook.com/NZSDRT/videos/1267064120676624 CHT St Margaret’s - https://www.facebook.com/NZSDRT/videos/1060793038237086