Zeal - an organisation with a passion to provide opportunities for young people - has made its way to Hamilton.
Starting around 14 years ago in Wellington and four or five years ago in Auckland, it was time for Zeal to rock its way to Hamilton.
Its focus is on young people; assisting them in their passions, providing opportunities and running safe events for them to attend.
The Zeal Hamilton team includes James Wotton, Peter Allely and Simon Patton.
Interning at Zeal down in Wellington, Pete loved the concept and wanted to bring it back to Hamilton.
James had heard about the Zeal centres in Auckland and Wellington and joined up as he "had a real passion for a youth facility in Hamilton".
Waikato Sunrise Rotary Club formally invited Zeal to Hamilton at the end of last year.
Zeal's first event was Skate or Die (a skateboarding competition with live music) earlier this year.
Events so far have varied from acoustic shows, a craft fair, the concert headlined by Ruby Frost and a hip hop event.
James is determined for Zeal to continue running even "more diverse events" in the future which are "catering for all sectors of youth in Hamilton".
Zeal sets out to achieve is "encouraging positive youth involvement," says James.
It wants to help young people follow their passions and "create their own jobs".
In Auckland, Zeal helped some young people out who wanted to set up a t-shirt business.
The team wants to bring amazing opportunities like this to Hamilton!
Just a few ways they are hoping to do this is by starting up a Zeal YouTube channel in the future, which will showcase young talent around the Waikato, beginning barista training and holding workshops, such as events management.
James reckons a highlight working with Zeal so far is definitely, "seeing young people with something to do" as he remembers when he was at high school finding something cool to do was always a struggle.
A permanent site for Zeal will be set up when funding is secured at 421 Victoria St. This will include an all-ages gig space, cafe/hangout area, band rehearsal rooms, complete with backline, a recording studio, an art - design - moving image suite, exhibition space, and dance rehearsal spaces.
Building will hopefully start late this year once funding is secured and Zeal is hoping to be open by July 2013.
To find out more about Zeal and keep updated with what's happening head to their website http://www.zeal.org.nz/ or their Facebook page.