The inaugural Te Hiku Careers Expo is taking place at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro in Kaitaia today.
More than 1500 school children and their families are expected to attend with 50 local and national stall holders confirmed.
The expo is the first of its kind in Northland and is a collaborative effort by the Te Hiku Social Accord, an agreement between Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri, Ngai Takoto and government agencies to improve social outcomes for Maori in the Far North.
It will allow people from Te Hiku to meet successful Maori from a variety of industries, tertiary institutions and training organisations while learning about different career options. Although designed to showcase Maori success it is open to everyone. Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Pukemiro principal Mike Murray urged whanau to get to the expo.
"Unemployment is a major issue in the Far North. Having the careers expo will hopefully open pathways that may not have been previously considered. There are not only education and career opportunities for youth, but re-training and up-skilling opportunities will also be showcased for adults."
From digger drivers to doctors, there would be somethingfor everyone, Mr Murray said.
The event will include a kaumatua and kuia lounge, evening speakers, stalls, machinery demonstrations, one-to-one consultations and school day visits with students bused in.