A trust has been granted $2.08 million to provide a space in Whangarei for young people to call their own.
The ASB Community Trust has pledged $2,079,503 to the Whangarei Youth Space Trust over five years through the Catalysts for Change programme. The programme identifies not-for-profit organisations with expertise around particular issues and the funding has been welcomed by the people behind the youth space concept.
Whangarei Youth Space Trust trustee Ryan Donaldson, 20, said the funding was incredibly exciting, and a pay-off for a year of planning and applying for financial support.
He said the space would offer young people in Whangarei recreational, health and leadership services, and would be based at the former Whangarei Art Museum in Cafler Park.
"It shows that young people can have their voices heard. We are giving them their own space," Mr Donaldson said.