Two new but potentially familiar faces have taken over at Youthtown Ōamaru, and they have grand plans.

Pip Sutton has joined Youthtown as team leader following more than three years as sporting co-ordinator at Sport Waitaki, while Kale Sandri returns to the organisation as programme lead after four and a half years, having left to do a joinery apprenticeship.

After completing a successful holiday programme over the Christmas/New Year break, the pair are settling into the day to day of their new roles.

Kale said the holiday programme was “really good”.

“It was a busy time. Obviously, it was the first one back for a while - trying to get those numbers back up to a good spot, and all the feedback we've had from kids and parents ,they've enjoyed it,” he said.

The two are coming in at a “challenging time” but are up for it, Pip said.

“We’re here to make positive change,” she said. “We don’t want to dwell on the past, but sort of raise the profile.

“I believe that Youthtown has a space in the Waitaki, but it just hasn't been utilised, and in Sport Waitaki there was only so much I could do for our youth, in particular, because, you know, it had to be related to movement, whereas Youthtown, it doesn't have to be.

“It can be an opportunity, because not all kids are sporty, not all kids are that way inclined.” 

During the school terms, rather than offer an after-school programme, Pip and Kale are more focussed on making sure there are a range of after-school activities available for Waitaki youth.

“More like giving opportunities,” Pip said. “Instead of, like, childcare, or an after-school programme, it will be more, ‘these activities are on after school’.”

The Youthtown Trust is one of the country’s longest operating not-for-profit organisations, and is funded by gaming venues, such as Ōamaru’s Phoenix Complex.

Net proceeds from gaming machines operated at the venues pledging support to Youthtown are then distributed to make a positive contribution to youth development.

But some activities are user-pays, and the Youthtown Trust can also help fund other appropriate projects.

The fitness station at St Kevin’s College, and first aid training for all Weston School staff were both funded through Youthtown Trust funds, she said.

“So schools can still come to us, or actually, any group can come to us. So, if they need help with it, I'm open to helping with that type of thing.” 

The pair are open to hearing ideas from parents, and other people, who might see gaps in what is currently on offer for youth in the Waitaki.

In particular, they are looking to offer opportunities which differ from your usual after-school sports. 

They are open to ideas, and want to work for and with the community, even if the activities are a bit more quirky, Kale said.

“Like more niche areas, rather than your normal sports."

For example, they are in the process of joining forces with Mountain Biking North Otago to take youth rides, and are also working with Futures Waitaki golf.

They also want to become involved with environmental causes and other life skills, “bringing the fun back” for under-25s.

“All our youth, they go to school, they learn all this serious stuff . . . If they're not into school, you know, they still get plastered with, ‘employability, CVs, you know, ‘what's your future looking like?’. So we're kind of here to bring the fun,” Pip said.

It’s the time in a person’s life when they are most free and Youthtown wants to help them make the most of it, Kale said.

To get in touch with Youthtown, send a message through the Youthtown Ōamaru Facebook page, or you can phone Pip on 027 4723 980 or Kale on 027 8912 402. The pair will also have a stand at the North Otago A&P Show on February 24.