Eat your heart out Hollywood!
It was a dazzling night to remember at the The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board youth celebration! The red carpet rolled out in style, welcoming guests into a world of glitz and glamour.
Love Yourz honoured the incredible youth groups in Ōtara-Papatoetoe from diverse ethnicities, who inspire the younger generation through mentoring in local schools, organising ANZAC Day services, championing change, and keeping the community informed – just to highlight a few of their achievements.
It was a celebration of their vital mahi and a moment to elevate their efforts.
Photo credit: Zakiah
This was the first event of its kind for the board, in partnership with Life Community Church - secured $25,000 in funding for this event.
The evening was named ‘Love Yourz’, chosen by the youth groups being honoured that night, reflecting their shared spirit and contributions.
Youth groups honoured included: Adullam Boys Club, Bubblegum (South Seas Health Care), Know Your Status, Latter Day Saints – Papatoetoe, Ōtara Youth Hub (Community Builders Trust) and PACT (Papatoetoe Adolescent Christian Trust)
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “The Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area is one of the youngest in the city.
“We have youth as one of our focus areas in our plans but it's out there in the community that we know youth groups and youth organisations who are already doing great work, serving our young people and wider community. This is our chance to celebrate them.”
Photo credit: Zakiah.
Board deputy chair Vi Hausia was accompanied by Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli to the event with an audience of 250. As the youngest member of the board, he challenged the youth, inspiring them to pursue their goals and aspirations.
“It was an honour to address this event. There were so many familiar faces from the youth groups who work with our board to strengthen our community. It was awesome to provide a platform for our local youth groups, for them to see the great work they are doing in their own respective spaces. Youth inspiring youth #awesome,” adds Vi Hausia.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board deputy chair - Vi Hausia.
The event wrapped up with Gillianne Ray, Auckland Council’s Community Programme Delivery for South Auckland, who has been pivotal in this space.
Photo credit: Zakiah
“This successful night was made possible by funding from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and the partnership with Life Community Church, which brought a two-year vision to life. Special thanks to Nick Edwards (Chair of Life Community Trust), Rebecca So’e (Head of Community Response), Sue Isaia (Love Yourz Project Manager), and Joshua So’e (Youth Pastor of Life Church Southg), for their exceptional hosting. Acknowledgment also goes to the Auckland Council staff behind the youth celebration: Zonder Fa’alafi, and Dominic Lee,” adds Gillianne.
Vi Hausia with Community Programme Delivery for South Auckland – Gillianne Ray.
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