Rangatahi invited to innovate the future of the Far North

Far North rangatahi (youth) aged 15 to 24 are being invited to tackle local challenges and pitch their ideas for a better future through a new innovation event, E Tū Rangatahi - Stand Up Young Leaders.

Delivered through a partnership between Far North District Council and the Ministry of Education, the free event is open to all young people, including those who are home schooled or not currently in education. Teams of up to six people can register and develop solutions to issues affecting communities across the Far North.

The innovation lab will culminate in a live pitch event on Thursday 6 August at Mahinga Innovation Centre at Ngāwhā Innovation and Enterprise Park. Teams will present their ideas to a supportive panel, with more than $2000 worth of prizes up for grabs.

The event is the first collaboration of its kind between the council and the Ministry of Education and is being run as a pilot in Te Hiku o te Ika. Organisers hope it will become an annual opportunity for rangatahi to help shape the future of the Far North.

"E Tū Rangatahi is a powerful opportunity to connect rangatahi with new ideas, role models and pathways they may not have previously considered," says Ryan Donaldson, Principal Adviser - Secondary Transitions at the Ministry of Education.

"Programmes like this help young people explore future opportunities and build confidence for life beyond school."

Participants do not need a fully developed idea before registering. Once signed up, teams will work together before the event in August to:

• identify an issue affecting the Far North
• develop a creative solution or response
• prepare a five-minute pitch to present their idea.

"This is about giving rangatahi (youth) a platform to share their thinking, lived experiences and vision for the future of our rohe. It creates opportunities for hands-on civic education and sharing pathways for our youth to consider education, employment or leadership in Te Tai Tokerau," says Casey Gannon, Manager of Civic Engagement and Education.

"Young people understand the challenges facing their communities and often bring fresh perspectives to solving them. We want to support those ideas."

Registrations are now open and teams are encouraged to sign up early. For more information and to register, visit the E Tū Rangatahi - Stand Up Young Leaders webpage.

Any questions, contact Casey Gannon, Manager of Civic Engagement and Education, at casey.gannon@fndc.govt.nz.

View the E Tū Rangatahi -  Stand Up Young Leaders poster below