Youth organisation ecstatic over purchase of Sheepworld
Sheepworld vender John Collyer, front left, and Springboard founder Gary Diprose, front right, see an even brighter future for the iconic tourist attraction. They are surrounded by Springboard staff and supporters.
Springboard Community Works staff and supporters gathered at Sheepworld earlier this month to celebrate the youth organisation’s purchase of the iconic Mahurangi tourist attraction.
Springboard founder Gary Diprose says when Springboard takes possession in October, the plan is for Sheepworld to continue to be a major attraction for visitors – with its sheep shows, farmyard park, retail store, café and petting zoo – while at the same time offering unparalleled opportunities for the at-risk youth Springboard assists.
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MAF gives youth chance to fly
Young people gather in front of the Cessna 206 after their first flight. From left, Jacob Paul, Helen Gwyn, Mark Fox (MAF), Ricky Baker, Alisha Daniels, Sam McNeil, Jemma Nawton and Rick Velvin (pilot).
Young people from Springboard Community Works got their first ever chance to fly in a light plane after a Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Cessna 206 landed at Kaipara Flats Airfield this month.
The 40-year-old Cessna has been retired from international service with MAF and now visits airfields around New Zealand promoting the organisation’s work.
MAF New Zealand chief executive Mark Fox says someone had the nice idea to take local youth, who had perhaps experienced tough times, for a scenic flight while the plane was in Kaipara.