Boost for Bay youth development initiatives

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye.

The Government has announced new partnerships to support two youth development programmes in the Bay of Plenty.

Youth Minister Nikki Kaye said the partnerships would create at least 590 youth development opportunities.

"More than $334,000, including Government and partner contributions, will be invested to make these new opportunities available," Ms Kaye said.

The investments are being made under the Partnership Fund, where the Government co-invests with business, philanthropic, iwi and other partners to grow youth development opportunities in New Zealand.

The goal of the Tauranga initiative, Priority One's Instep - Ngā Wahine o Mereaira, was to help young Maori develop their own strengths and empower others.

"The partnership's investment will enable around 70 young people to receive leadership and mentoring opportunities.

"It will also support a one-day youth summit, bringing together students from 11 high schools in the region, along with representatives of local businesses, iwi and other community stakeholders. This will provide an opportunity for students to learn about each other's challenges and successes, and also build connections with others in their community.

Partners included the Ministry of Youth Development, the New Zealand Lotteries Grant Board, Tauranga Girls College, Ngai Te Rangi Iwi and Ngati Ranginui Iwi, Ms Kaye said.

The Rotorua programme, Youth Spaces Plus, builds on other local initiatives that support communities to take a holistic approach to meeting needs such as health, education and employment. It also provided recreational facilities where young people could safely socialise and be active, Ms Kaye said.

"The partnership's support will enable Youth Spaces Plus to target young people living in Rotorua's Western Heights, Fordlands and Te Koutu communities.

"Up to 120 young people will be supported to develop their own leadership skills, while providing leadership, mentoring and volunteering opportunities for around 400 other young people in their communities."

Partners included the Ministry of Youth Development, Rotorua Lakes Council, the Department of Internal Affairs, BayTrust, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust and community supporters, Ms Kaye said.