Youth Expo returns to Waikato

From left: Te Ahurei a Rangitahi crew member Mokena Hawkins, Performer Beau Monga and DJ Dujon Cullingford and youth health promoter, Hamiora de Thierry. Photo: Supplied

A skate competition, music, poetry, and business mentoring will feature in this year's Waikato Show Youth Expo.

Organiser and Te Ahurei a Rangitahi youth health promoter Hamiora (Harmz) de Thierry, said work was underway to make the second Youth Expo even bigger and better than last year's first event.

Te Ahurei a Rangatahi is a youth health and development organisation offering educational, promotional and social service initiatives to young people and their whanau in Hamilton.

In operation for 20 years and based in the Zeal building in central Hamilton, Te Ahurei a Rangatahi provides its range of services and events to the Hamilton-wide community.

The Waikato Show is held over three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday April 6 to 8.

Opening day Friday is the great Schools Day Out which will bring in more than 1000 schools pupils and their teachers and parents from around the Waikato.

The Youth Expo plans to rise to the challenge by offering singing competitions, poetry slam, dance and rap battles fronted by B-Boxer Beau Monga and DJ Dujon Cullingford with Dujon scheduled on between 11am and 2pm and Beau between noon and 12.30pm.

A live skate park, including teaching and competition with music, is free to anyone who wants to bring their board down.

Jacky de Thierry, owner of De Stylez Studio Mix, cafe and recording lounge, will help mentor young entrepreneurs and the organisers are keen to hear from any young people interested in boosting their business ideas.

Hamiora de Thierry said the Youth Expo aimed to showcase young entrepreneurs and encourage them to develop and display business ideas with the help of experienced mentors.

"It's all about inspiring and connecting young people to inspire others, show case culture and ideas and the creativity and diversity of youth culture."

Te Ahurei a Rangatahi kaiarahi Eugene Davis said the group was approached to strengthen the show's youth component.

"It's about creating a great cultural vibe and celebrating the creativeness and entrepreneurial spirit of young people, boosting the creative aspect, business opportunities and sharing ideas. We know the concepts we would like to see in the expo and we have very keen young people coming."

Any young people interested in taking part in the Waikato Show's Youth Expo should contact Harmz de Thierry, hamiorad@teahurei.co.nz, ph 07 8383013.