The JumpStart Driver Training programme has reached a major milestone, helping its 200th local person gain their restricted licence since launching in 2022.
The free programme supports Waihi residents and Waihi College students working towards their restricted licence by providing supervised on-road driving sessions, with support from community volunteers, local Police, and OceanaGold.
JumpStart volunteers, Police, Waihi College staff and students, and OceanaGold employees recently gathered at Waihi College to celebrate the achievement and recognise the community effort behind the programme.
The idea for JumpStart grew from conversations between OceanaGold and Waihi College in late 2021 about how best to support local young people. In a semi-rural community like Waihi, access to a driver’s licence was recognised as critical to provide participants with employment opportunities, increase safety on our roads, and assist their personal growth and development.
“We’re very proud of what the JumpStart programme has grown into today.” Michael van Anen, Asset President at OceanaGold Waihi, said. “I take my hat off to the volunteers. I’ve had two teenage boys myself, so I know it’s a special skill and patience to be able to teach others how to drive!”
At the heart of the programme are Volunteer Driver Navigators, local people who generously give their time to help others gain the skills, experience and confidence needed to become safe, licensed drivers. After completing training and Police vetting, Navigators work alongside learner drivers, providing practical coaching and encouragement throughout their licensing journey.
For JumpStart Navigator and OceanaGold employee Andrew Bellamy, volunteering is an opportunity to share his passion for driving while helping others unlock new opportunities.
“One of the things I enjoy most about being a Navigator is the coaching aspect,” says Andrew, “The people who come into the programme are usually really motivated and it’s rewarding to support them as they work towards their goals.”
An experienced driver with licences across multiple vehicle classes, Andrew draws on years of driving experience to help learners build confidence behind the wheel.
“I really enjoy being a navigator because you’re helping someone achieve their goals and broaden their horizons,” he says,
For Waihi College student Ruby Wilhelmi, gaining her driver licence through the JumpStart programme has opened the door to new opportunities and greater independence. Now in Year 13, Ruby gained her restricted Licence earlier this year and in 2027 she plans to study Marine Biology at Victoria University in Wellington.
“JumpStart has given me lots of opportunities I otherwise wouldn’t have had.” says Ruby. “To all the Navigators, I imagine it can be nerve-wracking sometimes, but the patience, time and effort you’ve invested in all of us is inspirational.”
The JumpStart programme is also available free of charge to members of the wider Waihi community. Among them is community graduate Nikita Anderson.
“Having my licence has allowed me to go back to work after maternity leave, be independent, do things around town, go out of town – just daily life,” says Nikita.
“If you’re thinking about JumpStart, just do it.”
◾️Kit Wilson, Manager – Communication (NZ) Email: kit.wilson@oceanagold.com
