A dedicated space for east Auckland’s youth has officially opened its doors over the weekend.
On Saturday April 9 at approximately 1pm at the Youth Space at Botany Town Centre, prominent members of the collaborative endeavour made speeches, speaking of the impressive efforts and hard work of those involved, and then the red ribbon was cut.
The Youth Space has been designed “by youth for youth” and is supported by the Howick Local Board, Te Tuhi, Botany Town Centre and driven by Howick Youth Council (HYC).
Adele White, chairperson of the Howick Local Board, says that HYC members have been consistently made valuable and signification contribution to the local communities.
“We are sure they will make sure the voice of our young people is heard from this new space.”
Since 2014, young people have been telling the HYC they wanted a place in the community to call their own, former chair of HYC Ben Fraser says.
“Over the past eight years, HYC members have been working with the Howick Local Board to see it become a reality.”
And become a reality it has – with retro/vintage-inspired design done by two architecture students, Sachi Kapadia (ex-HYC member) and Zoie McKenzie, and a piece of artwork beautifully painted by Katherine Cao, companioned by a television, ping pong, cool drinks, and a number of other activities and items for the local youth.
The Youth Space is a three-month pilot programme that will be open from April 9 until June 24, Monday-Friday 3.30pm-6pm, and is located at the Botany Lane between Mirrou and Spark. There are approximately 20 activities already planned.
“It’s (Youth Space) is ideal, safe and accessible,” Fraser says. “It’s made for the youth, by the youth.”
Any and all youth is welcomed.
