Mawera Karetai

As many Beacon readers will know, my son, Jack Karetai-Barrett, has been writing a monthly article for the paper for the past two years, as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award journey.

I remember his first article, more than 24 articles ago, needed a lot of support. But over these two years his confidence as a writer has grown, so that his work has long been his own.

I’m incredibly proud of my son for his achievement, and thankful for the support he’s been given by our amazing community newspaper.

Thank you, Whakatane Beacon, Neryda, and the Beacon team who have encouraged my boy.

While his Duke of Edinburgh journey is done, his writing will continue.