Child psychiatrist Hinemoa Elder and Green MP Chloe Swarbrick speaking at WYSTalks Whangārei

Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick will speak at an event in Whangārei next week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Child psychiatrist Hinemoa Elder and Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick are among a line up of speakers attending an event in Whangārei aimed at people working with youth.

After a successful first event, Whangārei Youth Space is holding its second WYStalks event at Forum North next week.

Bernie Burrell, general manager of youth space, said the talks were born out of a need to bring leaders in the youth sector to Whangārei.

"We were really interested in hearing from emerging thought leaders in the youth development space and as a small NGO (non-government organisation), as a charity, sometimes the big wānanga and conferences in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch - we just can't afford to get there," she said.

"We thought if we're really interested in hearing from these thought leaders, others in the youth network in Northland would be too so why don't we put something together and see how it goes?"

Youth Minister Peeni Henare and Children's Commissioner Judge Andrew Beecroft spoke at last year's pilot event.

Burrell said the feedback from last year's event was "overwhelming".

"We had fantastic feedback. The feedback was around making it a full day so we can really maximise being together and networking, as well as maximising the travel.

"So this year we're making it a full day and we have a fantastic range of speakers lined up. The amazing thing is, all our speakers are donating their time because they believe in the kaupapa."

This year's speakers include child and adolescent psychiatrist Hinemoa Elder; Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick; Northland youth MP ShiquilleDuval; Ezekiel Raui, who is from Whatuwhiwhi and was a recipient of a Queen's Young Leaders 2017 Award; Ricky Houghton, chief executive of He Korowai Trust; Briarley Birch, Kaiārahi Kaiwhakamana for VoYce – Whakarongo Mai; Ryan Donaldson, WYS development lead; and NetSafe's education adviser Pauline Spence.

The theme is 'pathways to resilience' and Burrell said the event was for anyone working within the youth sector.

"It's not primarily for a youth audience. But it is really for people who are professionals or who are working, coaching, supporting, volunteering with young people," she said.

The event is being held on Monday with doors opening at 8.30am. For tickets visit ticketek.co.nz or Forum North. For more information email WYStalks@youthspace.co.nz or call 09 972 7248.