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Teens and young adults in the Mangawhai area have a new space devoted specifically to them and their needs, thanks to Te Whai Community Trust.
The Rangatahi Zone is based in the Red Sheds next to the basketball courts at the Mangawhai Activity Zone (MAZ) on Molesworth Drive and will offer a range of activities designed to appeal to and help adolescents and young adults.
Te Whai says the new zone offers a space for rangatahi to connect with peers and coaches in supervised workshops and programmes that are designed to be inspirational, educational, inclusive and enjoyable.
Specialist occupational therapist and Rangatahi Zone coordinator Susi King said its siting and purpose were part of a broader effort to engage young people with the community, the outdoors and constructive, meaningful activities at MAZ.
She said mentors and tutors would run sessions focused on engaging young people in enjoyable learning activities that benefited the community and the environment, as well as themselves.
The emphasis would be on respect for each other and the environment, safe practice with tools, design, project planning and self-identity, by creating and constructing items that focus on wellbeing and stress management, while building resilience and life skills.
“These outcomes are to ensure young people feel loved, safe and nurtured, have what they need, have access to active, healthy and creative activities, feel accepted, respected and connected, and feel involved and empowered, and develop the skills and attitude they need to take part positively within society,” King said.
“This is achieved through engaging young people in fun activities that promote trust and participation, providing safe, supportive and challenging environments, developing and nurturing strong relationships, and being available to young people and their individual needs.”
Whakairo Workshops are already running every Saturday morning with Jay Simmons, and the zone sheds are set for a facelift, thanks to Tara Iti Golf Club, whose donation is providing new doors, shelving, cabinets and signage.
Anyone who wants to know more, or who has ideas for workshops and activities, should contact Te Whai Trust.
Info: Email info@tewhaicommunitytrust.co.nz, call 09 431 3459 or call in to the Red Sheds at MAZ, at 191 Molesworth Drive
