With support from the Rotorua Trust, the Rotorua Young Mariners have experienced a year of growth, achievement, and community impact. The funding enabled the group to cover essential operational costs.
This year, the Rotorua Young Mariners expanded their Thursday night programming, offering more opportunities for team building and skill development. These regular sessions laid the foundation for larger events such as camps and regattas, which emphasised water safety, leadership, and education.
A standout moment came during the National Regatta held over Easter at Lake Okataina, where the Rotorua unit was awarded Top Unit of the Regatta—a title they had not claimed since the early 2000s. The unit also attended the Open Regatta at Martins Bay, where they strengthened bonds within their group and with other units from across the country.
These experiences have had a lasting impact, by not only enhancing the girls’ practical skills but also building their confidence and sense of community. The program’s focus on water safety, teamwork, and leadership aligns with Rotorua Trust’s priority area of strengthening communities. By empowering young women with these foundational skills, the Young Mariners are helping to shape a generation of confident, capable future leaders.
