Invercargill to Celebrate Young Leaders with Block Takeover Festival
- Invercargill Youth Council organizes Block Takeover Youth Festival
- Festival features speakers, workshops, and entertainment
- Event aims to inspire and connect local youth
Invercargill is set to inspire its youth with a vibrant festival this weekend at the Civic Theatre. Modelled after a successful Wellington event, the Block Takeover Youth Festival is designed to spark creativity and ambition among young people aged 12 to 24. The festival, scheduled for Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm, offers a dynamic lineup of activities, workshops, and guest speakers. Related: New Funding Plan Unveiled for Charter Schools in New Zealand
The event will showcase internationally renowned figures such as Gore mayor Ben Bell, the youngest mayor in New Zealand’s history, brain and neuroscience trainer Kathryn Berkett, and climate activist Dylan Chand. These speakers are poised to share their insights and experiences, aiming to ignite a passion in the attendees that could lead to future careers or new pathways.
Liam Calder, chairperson of the Invercargill Youth Council, emphasised the festival’s role in fostering leadership and innovation among the youth. He noted the inspiration drawn from Wellington’s Festival for the Future, highlighting the importance of offering similar opportunities to the young people of Invercargill
Attendees can also enjoy musical and kapa haka performances, food trucks, stalls, and outdoor games in various locations around the central city, providing a lively atmosphere for both learning and leisure.
The festival is a collaborative effort with several youth organisations, including Youthline, Number 10 Youth One Stop Shop, South Alive, and Te Rourou One Aotearoa Foundation. It aims to connect participants with youth support services and networks, particularly targeting disadvantaged youth. This aligns with the kaupapa of the collaborating organisations and sets the stage for Youth Week, which follows soon after from May 20 to 26.
The Block Takeover Youth Festival is free to attend, promising a day full of inspiration, learning, and fun for Invercargill’s youth.