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News | 19 August 2024
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Te Tai Ohinga Youth Hub opens its doors to rangatahi

An exciting new youth hub designed by and for rangatahi was officially opened in Pōneke over the weekend.  

Te Tai Ohinga Youth Hub living spaces, kitchen and visitors to opening

Located at 203 Willis Street next to St Peter’s Church, Te Tai Ohinga is a new, free space in the city for young people aged 13-18.

Mayor Tory Whanau says this space reflects the needs of the diverse community of rangatahi in the city.

“Council worked closely with a wide range of youth groups including from Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow, disabled, and refugee backgrounds to address their concerns and issues, and establish their requirements for a youth hub.

“Te Tai Ohinga is a result of that mahi, providing a place of belonging, connectivity, safety and whanaungatanga.”

Wellington City Councillor Geordie Rogers says creating the hub was a key action in the Council’s Strategy for Children and Young People.

“Rangatahi told the Council there weren’t enough free, safe spaces in the city for them to study, be creative, and socialise in.

“Young people asked us to create a place that’s friendly, accessible and multi-purpose, and by allowing them to drive the design of Te Tai Ohinga, I think we’ve achieved all that, and more.”

Te Tai Ohinga has a kitchen, social spaces, a podcasting studio, and study spaces – all free of charge for the young people of Pōneke.

Wellington City Youth Councillor Finley Duncan says the launch of the centre gives back to rangatahi looking for a place to belong in Pōneke.

“The space was shaped by young people for young people, and now it’s open we have a chance to help it evolve into an incredible spot for them to spend time in.”

The space will be managed by The Y, which is also funded to run Te Pokapū Hapori, the community centre at 105 Manners Street.

Paddy Simpson, Community Recreation Manager from Y Central says he’s thrilled to be partnering with the Council in operating Te Tai Ohinga.

“This is a crucial milestone for Wellington rangatahi, and we’re excited to bring our experience working with youth to create a vibrant, supportive and safe environment for the young people of this community.”

Te Tai Ohinga Youth Hub living spaces and murals

The name Te Tai Ohinga was gifted by Kura Moeahu, Chairman Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa. Te Tai represents the tides of the sea, while Ohinga refers to young people and comes from Taranaki. It signifies the chance for youth in Pōneke to thrive now that a safe space has been created for them to come together.

 

A new mural, created by Wellington artist Xoë Hall in collaboration with the rangatahi advisory group, was recently added to the frontage of the site. Rangatahi joined Xoë to weave their own stories into the artwork, making it a true reflection of their voices and identities.

 

The Children and Young People Strategy engagement produced overwhelming support for more safe and inclusive youth spaces in the city. The funding, $2.97m opex over six years and $1.1m capex, is allocated for the premises to be leased by the Council, and operational costs to support the third party youth service provider, The Y, to run the premises. 

 

Te Tai Ohinga is open Tuesday - Friday 3pm-7pm, and Saturday 10am-6pm.