Katikati: Youth leader appointed to boost initiatives

Taame Collier at the Winter Wellness and Immunisation Carnival.

Taame Collier has been appointed as youth leader of the Katikati Community Led Development steering group.

In his new role, Taame, 18, will be engaging with community groups to reach as many young people in Katikati as possible.

Taame has already been lending a helping hand with the Pancake Breakfasts organised by the Katikati Reach Out Trust at St Peter’s Anglican Church on Thursday mornings.

“The breakfasts are an awesome initiative for our youth,” Taame says.

“They offer free pancakes and a place to hang out with friends before school. With over 200 kids attending every week, it’s a popular place for our youth.”

Taame was recently the MC for the Winter Wellness and Immunisations Carnival at Katikati Memorial Hall, organised by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua, inviting youth to share their feedback on making Katikati a better place to live for youth.

“I am excited to step into this role and be the voice of our youth,” says Taame.He is from Katikati and attended both Katikati Primary School and Katikati College before graduating from Te Wharekura o Mauao.

Last year’s Your Place survey by Western Bay of Plenty District Council identified some of the community felt one of the main issues facing Katikati was a lack of activities and facilities for local youth.

In response, the steering group focused on youth during the remaining months of the collaborative agreement they have taken over with the Department of Internal Affairs.

Taame says he is determined to ensure youth ideas and thoughts are heard. He plans to form a youth advocate group to help drive changes in areas that are under-served in the community.

INFO Email info@katikaticld.nz or text 021 02345 276.