Ardie Savea Leadership Programme 2023
In 2022, we began our partnership with 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year and local Wellingtonian Ardie Savea. Ardie exhibits a strong sense of pride, authenticity and has a passion for helping local community, which we are very proud to align with.
"Go fast, go alone. Go far, go together"
Our shared passion for supporting the Wellington community and our Tamariki fostered the creation of the Ardie Savea and Rutherford & Bond Toyota 2023 Leadership Programme.
This programme took 10 students from low-decile Wellington high schools through private sessions with Ardie over four weeks. Our programme offered a personalised and exclusive experience to learn and develop, all while gaining insight into Ardie's life.
HIIT & Team Bonding
Hill Sprints & Wellbeing
Boxing & Careers
Family & Connections
Final Wrap Up
Rutherford & Bond Toyota Scholarship
At the conclusion of the programme, Ardie and Rutherford & Bond Toyota identified one standout student who showed all-round excellence and a willingness to succeed to award the 2023 Rutherford & Bond Toyota Leadership Scholarship. The idea was to support this student beyond the programme and follow their journey for years to come. The scholarship provided the recipient with financial support to put towards their schooling or sporting journey ahead. The 2023 scholarship recipient was Justine McGregor from St. Marys College.
Over the past year, Justine has made fast progress in her rugby career. She has invested in training at Method Performance & Rehab with the director, Joel. She was selected in the Wellington Rugby Pride, as well as being the youngest player selected in the Black Ferns XV and Sevens squad.
Testimonials from Parents
"They say time is the best gift you can give your children, and it's what I endeavour to gift my kids every day, so I know B really appreciates the time you have all gifted to him. He will never forget this experience, and I know we all will hold this precious time close to our hearts. I am really, truly grateful and hope B takes up Ardie's invitation to keep working out with him because I love the belief that Ardie has instilled in him already, and there is always room to build more confidence in my boy. I'm hoping everyone will continue to stay in touch, and it's extremely comforting to know B can reach out to the Toyota team anytime. Thank you. I had asked Ardie what he would do after rugby, and he said he wasn't sure. After seeing the connections he made with the students, I hope it's something he will continue to do as a future career path for himself, he would make a real difference out there. He already has the right tools to inspire and empower our young leaders of the future, and I am honoured that B got to experience it firsthand." Parent of leadership programme participant
Toyota NZ 2023 Citizenship Award
We are honored to have accepted the 2023 Toyota NZ Citizenship Award for our community initiatives specifically the 'Ardie Savea and Rutherford & Bond Toyota 2023 Leadership Programme.'
This newly created programe co-developed alongside our brand ambassador Ardie Savea is designed to inspire and influence 10 emerging leaders from low-decile Wellington high schools.
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