In smaller communities across New Zealand, rangatahi/youth do not have the same level of access to the arts, and exposure to relevant opportunities can be limited.

Auckland-based Crescendo Trust of Aotearoa have developed a new pilot programme specifically for the rangatahi in Te Kaha, a small community situated in the Bay of Plenty near Ōpōtiki.

Funded by the Ministry of Social Development's Industry Partnerships team and working with a local programme coordinator from Te Rūnanga o Te Whānau, this new hybrid model of programme delivery enables increased numbers of rangatahi living rurally to gain new skills they may not otherwise have access to.

Crescendo's programme is a four-week project-based programme that delivers mentoring in-person and online.

The project is producing a podcast centred around the theme of 'There's Life Behind That Sign”, aimed at providing a chance for rangatahi to step back and look at their rohe with a new perspective.

Along with the industry-specific skills, this will offer rangatahi the opportunity to build soft skills, such as communication, negotiation and responding positively to critique.

'We believe that all young people have their own innate gifts and talents and our mentors work with rangatahi to build self-confidence to help them achieve their goals,” says Crescendo's CEO Cat Percy.

'Our programmes are delivered by industry professionals so young people not only gain top-quality technical skills, but also gain from the emphasis we put on personal development, self-awareness and wellbeing.

'Ultimately, we aim to engage rangatahi through sound to build positive futures in our communities throughout Aotearoa.”

Crescendo's CEO Cat Percy.

'We're excited that rangatahi in Te Kaha will get the opportunity to develop skills in the arts and creative space, while staying local to their support systems,” says MSD Industry Partnerships director Amanda Nicolle.

'This exciting programme partnered with pastoral care will support thriving rangatahi and communities and allow people to access the many opportunities for employment that are being created in this region.”

MSD Industry Partnerships is funding 24 people to participate in this programme, as a stepping stone into employment.

Registration is now open for the second and third cohorts of the programme.

People can contact info@crescendo.org.nz for more information.