- Waiheke Rangatahi Ropu /Waiheke Youth Group is creating popular events and activities to improve the wellbeing of Waiheke youth aged 14 to 24.
- The Waiheke local board funded the group to carry out their work as part of its 24/25 budget.
- The ropu is working with the board and local community partners to deliver its outcomes
Waiheke youth have a dedicated team looking out for their wellbeing. Waiheke Rangatahi Ropu /Waiheke Youth Group works with the Waiheke Local Board and local community partners to improve the wellbeing of rangatahi aged 14 to 24 years old. They have started with a series of free cultural activities and events on the island.
The local board is funding the group as part of its work programme for the financial year 2024/25.
Deputy Chair Kylee Matthews is impressed by the group’s initiative and achievements.
“Our rangatahi are the future and we want to make sure Waiheke is a place they feel welcome and fulfilled. The Waiheke Rangatahi Ropu is something we are proud to support and the research they have done into the needs of young people on the island and the subsequent outcomes have been amazing. We’re really looking forward to what they do next,” Matthews says.
Early research with young people on Waiheke indicated immediate needs for more cultural activities for rangatahi Māori, affordable events and all-weather spaces for young people, and greater awareness and access to mental health support.
The group responded with a series of attended events aimed at Waiheke youth.
- Coast Arcade - all ages gig at Artworks Theatre featuring indie pop band Coast Arcade with support from Waiheke High School bands Lemoncholi and Vital Signz
- Paint and Snack - an evening of paint-by-numbers, shared kai, music and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building)
- Sunrise and Swim - Morning swim and shared kai on the beach to connect with te taiao (the natural world), experience the physical and mental benefits of cold water swimming, and strengthen community connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
- Table of 10 - an opportunity for youth to connect through the shared medium of kai
Waiheke Rangatahi Ropu member Ria Town is excited about the response to their events.
“We’ve had good numbers turn up at our events. Big thanks to the local board and our community partners for their help in making these events happen. This is just the beginning however and we hope to have more events and activities in future. We will also be advocating for more mental health support and greater job opportunities and skill development for Waiheke Rangatahi.”
Follow the Waiheke Rangatahi Ropu on Instagram.
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