Partnerships to empower at-risk Rotorua youth
The New Zealand Government and partners are funding two Rotorua youth initiatives with nearly $900,000 to improve education engagement and employment readiness for over 400 young people.
Youth Minister James Meager announced $660,000 in combined funding for Digital Natives Academy, which will run two programmes over one year. The first targets 12–15-year-olds, using digital and creative workshops to boost school engagement and career awareness. The second, for 15–24-year-olds, offers mentoring, employer connections, and paid internships to ease transitions into training or employment. Local MP Todd McClay hosted participants at Parliament to highlight the programme’s benefits.
Te Puna Ariki Charitable Trust received $105,000 to deliver two initiatives, supported by $130,000 from multiple local trusts and the Department of Internal Affairs. The first programme supports 12–14-year-olds through mentoring and life coaching to reconnect with education. The second provides work-readiness training for 15–24-year-olds, including practical roles in landscaping, cleaning, and administration, alongside community projects.
The funding partnerships aim to keep young people engaged in education while equipping them with skills for future employment. Programmes include hands-on workshops, mentoring, and real-world work experiences tailored to different age groups. The initiatives are designed to address gaps in school engagement and job readiness in Rotorua.
The investment aligns with the Ministry of Youth Development’s new funding direction, prioritising programmes that demonstrate measurable outcomes and support government targets. The partnerships involve multiple local trusts and government agencies, reflecting a coordinated effort to empower at-risk youth in Rotorua.