Despite the weather forecast threatening thunderstorms our Whanau Leaders Trip was a huge success.

The walk to the Glen Eden train station from school was 2.1km.  The sun shone down and the chatter was cheerful.  We all either purchased our tickets or tagged on with HOP cards.  The conductor checked our cards and tickets as we were travelling to New Lynn. From there we had a charming time in the library where some of us borrowed books.

Inside the mall we completed a scavenger hunt, with questions from one end of the mall to the other.  We had to find prices and particular shops and services.  We even got to see Santa.  Lunch was the BEST! McDonalds, Long John Silver, Dunkin' Donuts, St Pierre's Sushi and more in our lunch boxes.  Our tummies were full.

Our next stop was Olympic Park where we climbed, slid, swung, chased, chilled and ate more food. Again the sun dazzled us. The last leg was the 154 bus from the New Lynn Transport Centre to Konini.  There were 32 of us and the public, so it was quite a full bus.

I think it was an awesome trip for leaders because we got to experience the community and build our confidence talking to other people. We got to buy our own lunch and tickets for the train which meant we got to take care of ourselves - Runako Halligan

Using our HOP cards taught us to look after our property, especially if we want to go further next time. We were able to order our lunches which gave us practice for when we are older and explore the mall with our buddies - Rukiya Halligan

We all had lots of fun and recommend it to all the leaders next year.