Drive It Forward: Young motor apprentices rebuild car to support Māori and Pasifika rangatahi

Drive It Forward: Young motor apprentices rebuild car to support Māori and Pasifika rangatahi

Three young Māori and Pasifika motor apprentices are showing that giving back can start early, using their skills to repair a damaged Toyota Aqua that will help other rangatahi stay connected to their education.

The refurbished vehicle has been donated to the InZone Education Foundation - a charity focused on removing barriers so Māori and Pasifika rangatahi can access high-performing schools and succeed.

The vehicle will support students to get to and from school and take part in related activities, while also providing a safe, practical way for them to learn to drive.

AA Insurance sponsored apprentices Hura Tigua, Carlos Murray, and Sonny Vagana carried out the repairs, contributing their growing trade skills to a project that will make a practical difference for other students.

"It feels good knowing something we’ve worked on is going to help someone else. It makes you proud," says Hura.

With the cost of parts covered and the project coordinated by AA Insurance, the initiative also reflects a commitment to creating pathways into the automotive trades while supporting local communities.

The vehicle was officially handed over at AA Insurance’s West Auckland Customer Service Centre following a pōwhiri to welcome the InZone Education Foundation, bringing together apprentices, whānau, and community leaders in a moment grounded in connection and shared purpose.

Jared Nordstrom, CEO of InZone Education Foundation, says the impact of initiatives like this goes beyond the vehicle itself.

"This is about creating opportunity. For our rangatahi, something as practical as access to a vehicle can make a real difference - helping them get to school, access opportunities, learn to drive, and stay connected to their goals."

Each apprentice brought a unique journey into the project.

Hura and Carlos both came through Te Waharoa – Gateway to the Trades, a programme developed by MITO and Waikato-Tainui to support young people into sustainable careers.

For Sonny, the project carried a deeply personal connection. His father — who worked in AA Insurance’s motoring team — played a key role in introducing his uncle, Weaver, to the trade. Today, Weaver is mentoring Sonny, continuing that legacy and supporting the next generation.

"My uncle has mentored me throughout this journey, and being able to use my skills to help other rangatahi makes me really proud of the industry I’m part of," says Sonny.

Beau Paparoa, Head of Motor Claims at AA Insurance, says, "at its heart, this initiative is a story of kotahitanga — rangatahi supporting their own communities. Our apprentices are not only building their skills in the workshop — they’re also making a real contribution beyond it. This project shows what’s possible when we invest in young people and create opportunities for them to give back. We’re proud to partner with repairers and suppliers; Drive Group, Turners, Auckland Mobile Locksmith, and Eurosparx, who played a key role in supporting these apprentices and bringing this project to life."