Napier youth hub aims to give young people a safe place to hang out

Youth space leader of Nga Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay Youth Hub, Myah Houthuijzen, left, and artist Taya Evans, who is helping with branding and communication. Photo / Hawke’s Bay Today

Napier’s youth will help shape a new hub in the heart of the city.

The Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay Youth Hub is in response to appeals of young people to the Napier City Council over the past few years for a dedicated safe place for them to chill out, be involved in activities, catch up with friends, study, create and connect

It’s a new youth space leader Myah Houthuijzen says she is really excited to get stuck in.

“It is rare to have so much creative freedom,” Houthuijzen said.

“There is no prescribed plan, so the space will be shaped by the youth of Hawke’s Bay.”

The proposal for the hub was led by Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay, a charitable trust run by volunteers, and supported by the Napier Youth Council and Rainbow Youth.

At its last meeting before the local elections, Napier City Council’s former Mayor Kirsten Wise and councillors voted unanimously to support it.

It is funded by the council as part of its commitment to provide safe, innovative and engaging spaces for young people in the CBD.

The 41 Station St hub will be officially opened by Napier’s Deputy Mayor Sally Crown, from 12-3pm on Saturday, December 6.

Project lead Leonie Wallwork said after the opening formalities, there would be a fun day for young people to “get with the vibe” and experience some of the activities and spaces.

“We encourage rangatahi to really make this space their own and go on a journey with it as it develops,” Wallwork said.

She said while the project wouldn’t be finished at the opening, it would be the beginning of an evolving space over time.

Houthuijzen said the point of the hub was to have somewhere meaningful to go.

“It will be a place to find out who you are, what you want to do, hang out, learn and much more,” she said.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.