In late 2022, a group of like-minded community members came together to launch the Whāingaroa Youthwork Collective – Ngā Whakaruruhau Māhuri.
One of the aspirations of the members was to one day fund a paid youthwork coordinator, which has now come to fruition.
In March, Raglan Community House employed Amy Hanna in the role of Whaaingaroa Youth Connector. This role has been part funded by Raglan Naturally, as a one year position, with the hope further funding can be sourced into the future. The aim of this role is to build relationships with individual youths, supporting them on their journey to independence. We sat down with Amy to ask her about what her plans are for the year ahead.
How did you come into this role?
I’ve been a part of the Raglan/Whaaingaroa community for over 20 years now, and all of my involvement in the community has always been around tamariki and rangatahi. I still currently teach 3 days a week at Te Mata School. This youth role was really attractive, as supporting young people is something I am passionate about, and it fits around my other work; so I thought I would put my hand up and hopefully make a difference to some of our local rangatahi!
How is it going so far?
It’s been very busy! I have about 10 young people I am supporting in different ways, as well as trying to organise some wider community events for youth.
As it is a new role, I am still sorting out a lot of the basics – setting up a space, social media, meetings, and just working out what the job looks like and how best to use my time and energy. It feels like quite a responsibility, but I know I will build networks along the way, and we live in such a diverse and supportive community that there are lots of people out there that get behind supporting our young ones.
Raglan Area School has been kind enough to give me an office space on the school site, plus I also work out of the Raglan Community House. I have to thank Mike and Suz for welcoming me so openly at RCH and to Joe Rao who (although he seems to make work for me!) is always so supportive and has a wealth of knowledge around working with young people.
What is coming up?
So, Youth Week is coming up (19-25 May) and the theme for 2025 is Take Our Place – Whai Wāhitanga. I would really love to have this become a well recognised annual event, involving as many groups/businesses as possible supporting our youth in the community.
In previous years the Whaingaroa Youthwork Collective have organised great events for Youth Week and we want to continue this, and build on it. We are going to run another Amazing Race on that weekend, and would love to involve other groups during the week.
So here’s my plug – maybe you’re a business and can offer a deal for youth during Youth Week … or like The Refinery has already…offer a free/koha ‘have a go’ youth session on one of the evenings. We could have lots of activities around town offered, and as the Youth Connector I can support with advertising and supporting you during that week. Then we can build on that in the years ahead so that Youth Week becomes a part of the annual calendar of Raglan, and is beneficial across the community. Please get in touch, and I will support you anyway I can to make things happen!
How can people get in touch with you?
I work Thursday and Friday onsite between Raglan Area School and Raglan Community House, but you can email me anytime.
My email is connector@raglancommunityhouse.org.nz and I can be messaged via Facebook or Instagram @raglanyouthconnector
