Waigrown's good clean fun

HOME-GROWN TALENT: DJs Apiana Te Tau-Quin (left, MC), Jermaine Kerehi (DJ Main1), Aaron Moffitt and Johnty Tatham (DJ duo ADM-JHT) will be partying with young people at Waigrown at King Street Live this Friday.

"Wairarapa-grown" musicians are turning up to party with teens at King Street Live this Friday.

The venue will be hosting Waigrown, a disco for young people aged 13 to 17 organised by the Southern Wairarapa Safer Community Council (SWSCC), with support from Masterton District Council and Wairarapa police, and input from youth.

Event organiser Tirau Te Tau said youth had wanted an event with "DJs and dance crews", and had named the event "Waigrown", as it features Wairarapa talent.

Providing the music will be five local DJs, including Whitireia music student Kobi Chapman (DJ KLTX), and visiting dance crew Rezpect.

"We will no doubt get a good crowd ready to dance to some pretty high energy music."

SWSCC youth development co-ordinator Deborah Davidson said the event, which will be alcohol-free, is strongly supported by the Wairarapa Social Sector Trial.

This aims to reduce youth offending and promote wellbeing in the region.

She said the event will provide teenagers with the opportunity to enjoy themselves without relying on alcohol as a social stimulant.

Masterton District Council has provided funding for the event through its Creative Communities Fund, and the Wairarapa police, via the Blue Light Fund, contributed to the food and beverages.

First Security and the Wairarapa Maori Wardens will be providing security, and the Featherston and Greytown community boards have offered free transport for the South Wairarapa-based youth.

Alan Maxwell, King Street Live manager, said he is pleased to offer youth a space where they can enjoy themselves.

"They can come to King Street, take a few selfies, share a pizza, dance and have a mocktail," he said.

"You still have that social element without the alcohol influence, and King Street Live offers a small, inclusive space for youth to enjoy that."

Waigrown will be held on Friday July 4 at King Street Live, from 8pm to midnight. The entry fee is $2.