Rock climbing, kayaking, shared meals and movies nights are among the activities offered by a Tākaka trust focused on helping local young people.
Golden Bay may be part of the mainland, but its unique geography means its residents are almost as isolated as if living on an island which is why the services of Tākaka’s Golden Bay Youth Habitat are so important to the region’s young people.
“Golden Bay has been designated one of the only mainland, rurally-isolated communities in New Zealand,” says Cait Tomlinson, general manager of the Golden Bay Workcentre Trust, which administers Golden Bay Youth Habitat.
“This isolation seriously disadvantages many of our whānau, and we currently provide a range of services to vulnerable populations in our region.”
In recognition of that work the Tindall Foundation, through the Top of the South Community Foundation, has provided funding to assist in employing a dedicated youth worker.
“Our service combines structured and unstructured environments to promote connection and learning as the core foundation of our activities and programmes. These activities counter the sense of alienation and isolation experienced by young people in rural areas and will improve well-being and future outcomes,” says Cait.
Cait adds involving young people and asking what they wanted has been key to the success of the programmes.
One of the young people benefiting from the services said; “I really enjoy the space that the Workcentre provides for youth. The movie nights and other really chill activities that get put on for youth. I really like the late-night activities for working youth.”
Working with more than 140 rangatahi, Golden Bay Youth Habitat has provided a range of activities including beach picnics, beach games like pétanque, swimming, treasure hunts, sailing days, geocaching, walks, river trips, pizza party, ice cream sundae days, sausage sizzles, rock climbing, movie nights, Dungeons and Dragons groups, junk journalling, expressive writing groups and sushi making. Driver licencing and job seeking and support has also been available.
Movie nights both onsite and offsite to reach isolated areas and school visits at lunchtime with kai and games to engage and build rapport with young people have proved successful.
“We have been addressing concerns about rangatahi experiencing seasonal blues and other mental health issues in collaboration with Te Whare Mahana Trust by offering a series of sessions around wellbeing.”
Cait says the Tasman district is an area where some of the wealthiest live amongst some of the most disadvantaged in Te Tauihu.
“Many of our residents face multiple complex issues. The housing crisis being a prime example with at least 30 per cent of the housing stock being empty year-round for holidaymakers. This in turn is then exacerbated by high rents, high cost of living, and relatively low incomes.”
