Embark on an unforgettable journey as we follow a student's Dream Day in Auckland, where curiosity meets culture, creating lifelong memories.

Last year, Resource Teachers of the Deaf (RTDs) were invited to nominate students for a Dream Day organised by the Dream Days organisation called Life Time. Nine-year-old Atarangi from Taita Central School in Wellington was lucky to be selected.

Early morning, Ata's family drove to Wellington Airport to board a plane to Auckland. Atarangi and Rose had never been on a plane before, and Atarangi said she didn't like the plane trip because it was a bumpy ride. However, she was excited when they landed in Auckland because their first stop in their chauffeured red car was McDonald's for breakfast. After all, it is Ata's favourite!

Next stop, Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and Atarangi and her whānau were so lucky because they were allowed to go and feed the penguins and the turtles and get up close! The penguins smelled so BAD but were very friendly and waddled right up close to Ata and Rose!

A delicious lunch of KFC and pizza and then back into the big red car to head to Auckland Zoo! Ata says she saw many animals like rhinos, an elephant, lions, and tigers, but she was excited to hold an owl on her arm. She had to wear a special yellow glove, though, so its claws wouldn't scratch her. 

DREAM DAY was so much fun, and Ata and her family loved every minute.