Kawerau Blue Light is celebrating a major achievement after successfully nominating two local young people for highly competitive international leadership exchange programmes.

Lochlan Foreman and Tadpole Thompson have each secured a place on separate overseas trips, with only six participants selected nationwide for each programme.

Foreman will travel to Cardiff, Wales, from July 1-11, where he will be based in the city centre and immersed in Welsh culture. His itinerary includes experiencing music, food, history and community life, while also taking part in a youth-led initiative.

As part of the exchange, Foreman will help co-design and deliver a conference showcasing the work of Blue Light New Zealand, while building connections between young people and police in both Wales and Aotearoa.

Meanwhile, Thompson departed to Kansas City in the United States, this week. There, he will participate in a Youth Leadership Exchange Programme alongside the Police Athletic League of Kansas.

During his time in the US, Thompson will be paired with Kansas City police officers and mentored through a variety of policing-related experiences, offering insight into how law enforcement engages with young people overseas.

His trip will also include time exploring Kansas, along with a stopover in Los Angeles for sightseeing on the journey home.

Kawerau Blue Light leader Nicky Nuku said securing places on both exchanges was a significant accomplishment for the small community.

“We are incredibly proud of these two outstanding young people and look forward to seeing how their skills and confidence continue to grow through these experiences,” Nuku said.

“They have each been heavily involved in Blue Light for many years, and it has been a real privilege to watch their growth, confidence, and leadership develop over time. We also acknowledge the strong support and values instilled by their whānau, which have played a big part in their journeys.”

Both Foreman and Thompson have been involved with Blue Light for several years, with their selection reflecting not only their commitment but also the strong support of their whānau.

The pair were excited for their journeys. Foreman is looking forward to experiencing a new culture and meeting new people, while Thompson is keen to further develop his leadership skills and experience life in the United States – with a particular highlight being a planned visit to Disney World.

The exchanges are co-ordinated by National Blue Light, with branches across the country invited to nominate participants each year.

Kawerau Blue Light has a strong track record, having sent one participant to the United Kingdom last year and another to Hong Kong in 2019.