Rainbow’s End teams up with rugby powerhouse to inspire youngsters

Rainbow’s End has teamed up with All Black, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, and two promising New Zealand athletes; BMX rider Maynard Peel and Paralympian, Tupou Neiufi, to encourage excellence among local youngsters.

The new programme, Rainbow’s End Inspiring Kids, aims to highlight Auckland schoolchildren’s achievement across different fields, whether it’s sporting or academic.

Nominated by their Principals from a variety of schools, the children are invited in to Rainbow’s end to speak to Ofa about their journey and achievements.

Rainbow’s End hopes that in hearing from young people just like themselves, as well an athlete at the top of their game, they will gain confidence to reach for their goals – whether that’s in reading, writing, basketball – wherever their interests lie.

The first series with Ofa will be available via video, which Rainbow’s End will be sharing through their website and social media channels over the coming months. The first videos will be unveiled before Christmas. 

As well as working with Ofa, Rainbow’s End has linked up with two Youth Ambassadors to support the Inspiring Kids programme. BMX rider Maynard Peel and Paralympian Tupou Neiufi are athletes identified by their sports as athletes with the potential for future international success.

Both have already embarked on the road to senior international representation. Maynard was the 2016 World Junior Champion BMX rider and now has his sights set on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He is from Papakura and rides out of the Pukekohe club. Tupou was first identified by Paralympics New Zealand in 2011 and represented the country in swimming at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She is hoping to compete at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, having met the qualifying times, with the ultimate goal of representing New Zealand again in three years’ time, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Rainbow’s End has also been presented with a 2017 Brass Rings award by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA)

Presented at the IAAPA Attractions Expo awards ceremony in Orlando, Florida, USA last month, Rainbow’s End was recognised for Best Innovation in a Training Program for a facility with annual attendance less than 1 million.

Leanne Laloli, Team Development Manager at Rainbow’s End, developed the in-house leadership programme and is thrilled with the recognition.

She explained “we are passionate about seeing our people succeed, the ‘Pillars of Leadership’ programme was developed because we know that great leadership is critical to our long-term success and the overall satisfaction of our employees.”

Rainbow’s End’s latest development AA Driver’s Town opened earlier this year and gives children an authentic exciting driving experience. Education modules developed give teachers the opportunity to teach road safety and children the added bonus of practicing what they learn in a fun safe environment. Rainbow’s End has partnered with the New Zealand Automobile Association Inc and Suzuki on this development.

Rainbow’s End has invested heavily in park improvements over recent years and the capital investment will continue to ensure the park is modern and relevant for its guests.

Images: 11-year-old Jayden Dawes with All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi (top) and Rainbow’s End team members Loh Fwu Wren, outgoing Chief Executive Chris Deere Paul Thomson accepting their IAAPA Brass Rings Award (below).

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