Far North youth councillors award funding for youth projects

The 2019 Youth Council, from back left, Blair Kapa, Maahina Korewha, Aylah-Rose Narbey-Nimeti, Jackson Taylor Murray Ratu, Koby Kelleher, Verner Salu; Shakira Tahitahi, Rhythm Tahitahi-Matiu, Artesha Matiu (2018 youth councillor), Karen Hepi, Joe Howells, Savannah Hancock,Tawhiri Mountain, Inverness Cowles, Clarone Hooper (Artesha's partner); Delaney Anderson, Manaakitia Hoepo, Maddison Stowers, Te Owai Clarke, and Te Awanui Wihongi-Clark. Photo / FNDC

Youth-led projects in the Far North are benefiting from Innovation Fund grants allocated by the Far North Youth Council.

The first projects to be funded include a youth wānanga in Herekino, a marae-based youth development programme in Matawaia, a youth mural project in Kaitaia, and an inspirational tour in which a young leader from Kaitaia will visit Far North secondary schools to talk about mental health and resilience.

The IF Innovation Fund was launched in 2019 to encourage youth leadership, mentoring and volunteering through projects delivered by and for Far North youth.

Funded by the Ministry of Youth Development, it allows Far North youth councillors to learn skills in governance and mentoring while supporting other young people with funding for youth development opportunities.

An application from Far North youth councillor Manaakitia Hoepo received the top rating from the young decision makers, who allocated $1000 to support his public speaking tour, Manaakitia Hoepo Perception is Reality, at secondary schools.

"I have a strong passion for helping rangatahi," Hoepo said.

"I want to show rangatahi that you should never let your circumstances or past dictate who you are today, tomorrow and in the future."

The Herekino wānanga, at Rangikohu Marae, will be planned and delivered by young staff at Waitomo Papakainga. The wananga will teach about 50 young people about identity, culture, basic te reo, and caring for the environment.

The Matawaia Marae project, delivered by young staff from He Iwi Kotahi Tātou Trust, will engage about 50 young people in learning about their culture and continuing the traditions of their iwi and hapū, including waka ama.

Finally, the youth mural project in Kaitaia has been planned by youth involved with Shine On Kaitaia, a project led by He Whānau Marama Trust, which focuses on creativity.