Poutama youth employment programme opens new Katikati base

Katikati's Poutama Pathway Into Employment programme has kicked off its first cohort of 2026 from a new upstairs space inside the Katikati Christian Centre on Henry Rd. The programme is run by four staff and is helping local rangatahi who are struggling to find their footing as they move into adulthood.

Among those leading the mahi is Piripi Paraeana, a kaumātua from Tuapiro Marae who originally joined as a chef but has grown into a much broader role. Katikati Community Centre general manager Nicky Austin says his calm, grounding presence and ability to role-model positive behaviour has had a real impact on young people. Sharing kai often opens the door to deeper, more personal conversations.

The public are welcome to visit Poutama's new home at an Open Day on Saturday, 28 February, running from 10am to 1pm. The event will coincide with the Volunteer Hop taking place in Katikati the same day.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).