A showcase celebrating the success of the district’s youth has been unveiled.

Dedicated to the late Louis Rāpihana, who died in April, the showcase is one of three being developed by Eastern Bay economic development agency Toi-EDA in partnership with New World supermarkets in Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne and Kawerau.

Toi-EDA driver training education manager Nancy Anderson said she conceived the idea in an effort to “change the narrative” around the negative reports of youth crime that was happening in the media, particularly around ram raids.”

A former Ōpōtiki district councillor, Mr Rāpihana started working at Toi-EDA at the beginning of this year and had supported the project, creating the name Te Puawaitanga O Te Rangatahi for the showcase, meaning The Success of Our Young. Te Puawaitanga refers to "the flourishing, blossoming, growth."

o te Rangatahi refers to "our young adults".

Te Pou Oranga o Whakatōhea Social and Health Services education manager Hohepa Hei officiated at the unveiling at New World Ōpōtiki on Friday.

He said it was important for the whole community to take ownership of and support its youth.

“As opposed to throwing out stuff on social media and moaning about it, get out there and lend a helping hand. Pick our kids up and guide them on their journey.

“If you’re shooting down our kids every time, make sure they’re there to pick them up first … All of our rangitahi are wanting to be up on this board, they just need a helping hand."

Mrs Anderson said Toi-EDA had already set up a showcase in Whakatane New World and was in the process of organising one for Kawerau New World, with the aim of promoting the potential of our local youth and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

The first six youth to be showcased are current and former Ōpōtiki College students, head boy Atutahi Porter, head girl Tiare Kerr, deputy head girl Troy Wharepapa, deputy head boy Zak Herrick, and former students Māhaki Mihaere-Neha and Te Aniwa Te Kani. Mrs Anderson said the featured students would be rotated monthly.

“We welcome all schools and services from the Eastern Bay to submit profiles for this initiative,” Mrs Anderson said.

The unveiling was attended by some of the featured students and their whanau, and by whanau and friends of Mr Rāpihana.

Ōpōtiki College acting principal Robyn Abraham-Harris, who was one of Mr Rāpihana’s teachers when he attended the college, said it was “a great acknowledgement of everything Louis stood for.

“We are really proud of these six students. Don’t let them knock our young people, because there is amazing talent there.”

Mrs Anderson said the showcase boards not only provided a platform for young people to be recognised, but also had significant economic development benefits.

“By highlighting the potential career opportunities and talent in the area, we hope to encourage students to pursue their interests within the local community.

“This will help to retain our talented youth and create opportunities for continued growth and development. The career showcases will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for young people and will help to raise awareness of the diverse range of opportunities available.”

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.