Going the distance for young people

Leading by example

At 62, Iain Chisnell isn’t just talking about relational practice, he’s living it.

The youth justice social worker works hard to build connection, trust and shared experience in his work with young people.

An example of this was his participation in the Grey Cap Run, a 33-kilometre challenge along Taihape Road.

5 rangatahi stepped up to run the distance alongside Iain, with 4 of those on his caseload.

For Iain, that created a clear sense of responsibility.

“I felt an obligation to share in the challenge and offer encouragement and motivation,” he said.

Rather than standing on the sidelines, Iain chose to get involved, face the same conditions, and be part of the same journey.

“I believed the opportunity would create a common bond and demonstrate that age does not necessarily create limitations,” he said.

More than a run

Participation in events such as the Grey Cap Run is a significant milestone in the Youth 2 Men programme, who are a contracted provider supporting rangatahi in Hawkes Bay.

It’s not just about physical endurance, but also perseverance, discipline, and commitment to personal growth.

Rangatahi train over time, building stamina and learning what it takes to stay focused on a goal. Along the way, they develop resilience, confidence, and a sense of shared purpose.

The experience also creates strong peer connections. Running side by side, encouraging one another, and pushing through challenges together builds a sense of belonging.

For many, events like these can be transformational and a powerful example that persistence leads to achievement.

Rising to the challenge

Iain brings a strong background in discipline, having served in the British military for 22 years, so he knows what it means to take on a challenge.

But this distance was new territory for him and reflects the sense of teamwork that developed throughout the journey.

For the rangatahi, that mattered.

Many spoke about their surprise that he not only joined them but was able to keep up.

His willingness to step into something they themselves felt nervous about quickly deepened the respect they had for him.

“Observing their perseverance and determination offered an insight into their characters that I hadn’t seen before,” Iain said.

“We all finished together, and the joy of sharing that achievement and exhaustion will stay with me.”

A lasting impact

At the end of the Grey Cap Run, Iain was presented with a grey cap, a symbol worn by all those who complete the challenge.

For the rangatahi, the cap carries real meaning. It represents commitment, resilience, and a shared journey.

Whenever they see Iain wearing it, it reminds them that he didn’t just support them, he stood beside them.