Nelson Car Club help disengaged students to learn new skills

Car enthusiasts at Motueka High School and Youth Nelson are being offered an exciting opportunity that includes being able to utilise the Nelson Car Club’s purpose-built racetrack and cars, learn general car maintenance, car safety, and the chance to get behind the wheel before they even have their learner licence.

The initiative was created by local mum Kirsty McKenzie, who saw a need for her son who was becoming disengaged at school as the standard curriculum failed to interest him.

“I’ve seen how well my son’s doing now by having a focus that is his jam. It makes him happy and keeps him in school as we’ve picked subjects that will set him up for an apprenticeship,” says Kirsty.

Designed for students who’ve become disinterested at school and are instead showing a keen interest in cars and mechanics, it is hoped ten students each term will be offered the opportunity to spend a day at the track with Car Club members who have vast mechanical and race/driving experience.

Although there is no focus on racing, the safety aspects of racing will be covered with the students given the chance to see a rally car’s safety gear and see how much goes into racing cars, which is undoubtedly a great way for them to learn about the safety of driving before they even sit their learner licence.

“It was really fun, I was interested in the course. I learnt how to change a tyre for the first time and got to drive a sick car called a Miada. If you’re into cars I suggest you give it a go,” says Israel Emery, aged 15.

While at the very early stage of development, Kirsty says there is potential to offer more advanced courses down the track.

“It’s all about helping kids stay at school as there’s potentially a lot of opportunity for apprenticeships, we have the potential to match them with opportunities that come up for when they’re ready.”

Hayden Paddon, New Zealand’s most successful rally driver both nationally and internationally, is endorsing the programme and has expressed interest at getting on board.

Gratitude goes to Paul Nicoll at Summit Real Estate and MTF Nelson for supplying the vehicle for use and Murray Thorn Motorcycles for the helmets.

With a desire to roll it out to as many schools as possible, Kirsty is seeking assistance to help with costs.  

You can help our youth learn vital car skills while remaining engaged at school by donating here.