William Pike receives prestigious Kiwibank Local Hero Medal

Media Release
Tuesday 2 December

William Pike receives prestigious Kiwibank Local Hero Medal

A young man who has proven that despite suffering a life-changing disability you can still go on to inspire, educate and challenge the youth of New Zealand will be awarded for his efforts this week.

William Pike will be receiving a Kiwibank Local Hero Medal to acknowledge the work he is doing with New Zealand’s youth through the William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA).

The Kiwibank Local Hero Award aims to identify and reward everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local communities. The Local Hero Awards recognises the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of Kiwis who selflessly work to make their local communities a better place.

The WPCA has grown rapidly from one school participating in the programme in 2011 to an anticipated 45 schools by 2015. From Stewart Island to the far north, and everywhere in between – the WPCA is for any school and every community.

The WPCA is directed and fronted by Pike, who was one of two young climbers caught in a volcanic eruption on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu in 2007. He had his right leg amputated as a result of injuries but has used his life experiences and passion for the outdoors to develop the WPCA to ensure the next generation of Kiwi kids can learn how to overcome challenges and to develop life skills. Pike is also now a sought-after inspirational speaker and an accessible role model to New Zealand youth.

“In 2012 I made the tough call to leave my job as a primary school teacher and pursue my goal of growing and developing the WPCA into a nationwide programme for young kiwi kids. It’s been one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. Although I never set out for recognition, I feel honoured that Kiwibank have recognised my contribution towards NZ youth through the WPCA.” says Pike.

The WPCA provides 11 - 13 year-old children with a gateway to new experiences, opportunities and a means of developing a positive youth culture for the nation. The year-long programme see’s students participate in 8 outdoor activities, 20 hours of community service and personally develop a new sport or hobby in order to gain the award.

“Overcoming challenges, embracing challenges, showing sheer grit, determination and strength, are a few characteristics that are oftentimes required in the outdoors. The best part about students discovering these characteristics through the outdoors is that these life skills are transferable and re-usable in every day life, for the rest of their lives.” says Pike.

The WPCA provides the students, their families and the wider community a tool which not only strengthens the communities they live in, but enables children to grow and become empowered through challenging new experiences and opportunities while learning valuable life lessons.

“Combining my two passions, the outdoors and education is a dream come true. My vision is for the WPCA to be one of NZ’s most popular outdoor education programmes, facilitated in hundreds of schools across the country.” adds William Pike, director of the WPCA.

It has been a significant year for Pike as he was also awarded the AMP Rothbury Auckland Scholarship and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (DofEHA) which allows students a progression of learning so they can continue to have new experiences and develop life skills that will take them into adulthood.
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ENDS

For more information visit www.williampike.co.nz

Further information

All Local Heroes who will be awarded a regional medal are currently being considered by the national category judging panel for the Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year 2015. The top ten semi-finalists will be announced later in December

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