Young Changemaker Pedals Purpose in ‘Kids Unplugged’ Episode

A Bay of Plenty teenager is showing that stepping outdoors can ignite leadership, strengthen communities, and inspire a generation.

15-year-old Jack Karetai-Barrett takes viewers on a powerful journey from screen addiction to activism, culminating in an ambitious bike ride from Whakatāne to Wellington, in his episode of Kids Unplugged.

Titled “Jack Hits the Road”, the episode is part of a six-part short-form documentary series launching today on Radio New Zealand and YouTube.

It follows Jack as he blends adrenaline-fuelled mountain biking with community action, all driven by a clear sense of purpose: to create change.

Just a few years ago, Jack’s life looked very different.

“Five years ago, I was really overweight, I was unhealthy, I was unhappy. I had some really stuffed dopamine. My base level was watching five phones and playing ten video games all at once,” he said.

Like many young people, he found himself caught in a cycle of constant screen use, but a decision to try something new, despite initial reluctance, proved transformative.

“Even though I hated the sound of mountain biking, I decided I’d give it a go. It sparked something.”

That “something” quickly grew into a passion.

Mountain biking became more than just a hobby; it became a gateway to confidence, discipline and connection with others.

It also set Jack on a path toward leadership and advocacy.

Today, he coaches younger riders, helps build trails and speaks openly about the importance of getting offline and into the real world.

“I really support the idea of kids getting out there and doing things other than just sitting in their rooms all day,” said Karetai-Barrett.

The episode’s centrepiece is Jack’s decision to cycle from Whakatāne to Wellington, a journey that surprised even those closest to him.

“I decided I’m biking to Wellington,  a lot of people were confused, a lot of people thought I was crazy,” he said.

With little road cycling experience at the time, the plan raised understandable concerns.

His mother, Mawera Karetai, said she was initially hesitant about him riding on busy highways “because he didn’t have any road biking experience… I didn’t want him going down State Highway 1.”

Along the way, Jack encountered unexpected moments of support that challenged his assumptions.

“He learned that truck drivers were incredibly careful of him, gave him lots of space, and were really respectful,” said Karetai.

The journey became not only a physical challenge but a lesson in resilience, independence and trust.

Jack’s story urges others to take action for change, not just personal growth.

“I try to show people how to be leaders… the same way I just randomly said, ‘Hey mum, I’m going to go to Wellington,’” he said.

He believes young people have a crucial role to play in shaping the future.

“Otherwise, we’re going to have a generation of people that won’t be leading change… I want young people to get in there as well and make a change.”

His actions are already having a measurable impact.

According to his mother, his bike ride contributed to doubling Māori voter turnout in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in the last election, a result that highlights the power of youth-led initiatives.

For Jack, purpose sits at the centre of everything he does.

“Purpose to me is, what’s your goal in life? It’s what is behind everything... I’m doing it to change people; I’d say change the world, but that will be in a few years from now.”

The stars of 'Kids Unplugged' (Left to Right): Te Taiawatea Warmington-Kiel, Jai Taft Robinson, Iris Fahey, Judah Steel, Ezra Steel, Malachi Steel, and Jack Karetai-Barrett, with producer Kylie Dellabarca Steel at the series premiere.

Jack’s journey sits within the broader kaupapa of Kids Unplugged, a series created to offer a hopeful response to growing concerns about youth screen dependence.

Rather than focusing on the negatives of technology, the series highlights what can happen when young people reconnect with nature, challenge and community.

Producer Kylie Dellabarca Steel said that shift in perspective is intentional.

“We wanted to make something that flipped that narrative… flipped that conversation and made it about what happens when we get off phones and all the good stuff that occurs,” she said.

The series follows tamariki across Aotearoa as they hike, build, ride, gather food and take on outdoor adventures, presenting a version of childhood grounded in exploration and real-world experience.

Research referenced by the production underscores the relevance of that message.

Most New Zealand children exceed recommended recreational screen-time limits, while many report impacts on sleep, learning and wellbeing.

International studies also link high levels of screen use with increased risks of anxiety and depression.

Against that backdrop, Kids Unplugged positions itself as a practical, solutions-focused alternative.

For Jack and his family, the shift away from screens has reshaped their lives.

His mother said one of the biggest changes has been a renewed sense of connection.

“I just noticed he was more present in our lives… we started having cool adventures together,” she said.

That shift extended beyond the immediate family, with Jack becoming involved in youth activities and community-building efforts, including mountain bike coaching and organising group experiences.

“We really became part of building the youth community,” said Karetai.

Jack’s journey is far from over.

In the coming months, he plans to launch another initiative aimed at encouraging rangatahi to vote, building on the momentum of his previous efforts.

Later this year, he will leave New Zealand to attend United World Colleges South East Asia in Singapore on scholarship, an opportunity his mother describes as both exciting and bittersweet.

“I’m really proud of him… but I’m going to miss him more than I can begin to explain,” she said.

Jack hopes the experiences he gains overseas will allow him to return home with new ideas and perspectives to continue his work.

At its heart, Jack’s story carries a simple message: change begins with action.

For young people unsure where to start, the advice from the Kids Unplugged team is straightforward: step outside, even for a short time.

“Twenty minutes outside is good for your soul,” said Steel, “That’s as long as one cartoon episode.”

For Jack, the call is even broader.

“All kids should try to stand up against what is just happening around the place… some things just need to be changed.”

As Kids Unplugged goes to air, his journey stands as a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t require superpowers, just a willingness to begin.

“Change takes time, but it starts with action,” said Karetai-Barrett.

“Stand up, speak out and ride your own journey.”