The community-driven initiative hopes to provide a mixed-use, all-weather venue in South Invercargill.
"I was rapt to get contacted about the project ... It became apparent it would be an incredible thing to do.
"I love Invercargill.
"I spent a lot of years here and a lot of years working in alternative education — working with a lot of kids that came from Aurora [College].
"The moment it was clear to me that I could help in any way, I just jumped on it.
"If there’s any way that I can make life a bit better for kids in South Invercargill, I’m all for it, because I do love this place."
He thought the Grace St Project was something South Invercargill deserved.
The combined project, alongside the ability to tap into higher education at SIT, was "a real game changer" for youth.
Grace St Project chairwoman Janette Malcolm said it was exciting to be able to announce the first two ambassadors to the project that had a deep affinity for Invercargill.
Mr Mac and One NZ chief executive Jason Paris were both successful in their fields.
"To have ambassadors that represent the music and tech industry possible pathway for our rangatahi is a perfect partnership.
"We are beyond thrilled to be forming this partnership with Chris [Mac] and grateful for his support with the project.
Aurora College year 8 pupil Crue Milne said he was really happy about meeting Mr Mac.
"I’ve never really met someone famous in person before. It’s just a really good feeling."
He was inspired by Mr Mac’s and Mr Paris’ stories and to have them involved.
Mr Paris, who was raised in South Invercargill by a single parent, said it was important for young people to have a safe space and at least one person who believed in their potential.
"I was lucky that my mum gave me both of these ... but I know that others are not so lucky. That’s why the Grace St Project is such an important initiative to support — because it’s all about creating a space for everyone to be at their best."
Aurora College principal Craig Taylor said it was a massive thing for the pupils to have the opportunity to meet someone like Mr Mac and have him involved in the project.
"They learn their story and then their story can become their own story.
"It’s about encouraging them to [learn] the sky is the limit. If you dream it can happen."
Mr Paris visited Aurora College last week, where he studied when it was called Cargill High School.
Grace St Project committee member Lyndal Ludlow said community connection was the entire heart of the project, which aimed to help residents connect and form new and different connections.
"To have a well-respected and really well-known face willing to promote our values and direction is quite moving."
Ms Malcolm said further ambassadors would be announced soon.
— Toni McDonald
