On Saturday, the 28th of October, the Walter Nash Center in Lower Hutt was abuzz with excitement as the Youth Expo took place. This collaborative event was organized by ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum in partnership with Connected NZ, Hutt City Council, and the Hutt Multicultural Council, showcasing the power of unity. The positive outcome of this joint effort was evident, as over 80+ young individuals attended the expo and availed themselves of the various services offered on the day.
The mini expo featured a diverse range of 10 organizations, including LSV, Jobs and Skills Hub, the Department of Corrections, Hutt City Council, Rebel Business, NZ Police, I’M IN, Weltec/Whitireia, MSD with vacancies, and St. Johns. While it was unfortunate that three organizations had to withdraw at the last minute, their initial interest and involvement in the planning process were appreciated.
The decision to host a youth expo was driven by valuable feedback and conversations with different young people. As ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, our role was to bring the event together with the support of our partners. Recognizing the significant need, we are now considering hosting similar expos in Wellington central and Porirua. Stay tuned for more updates on these future endeavors.
