Held over a range of venues in Bluff last weekend, the free two-day school holiday programme event was all about making whānau connections and offering supportive advice to youth between 10 and 18 years old.
Run by an army of 120 dedicated volunteers and workers, the Rangatahi Zone is an initiative by the Tuurama Trust to add some fun, healing, inspiration and creativity to the community by giving youth access to a range of experiences and connections.
The school holiday programme was created after four young men died in a car accident in 2022.
After the accident Active Southland ran a Māori ki-o-rahi kemu (game) on the sports field at Bluff School, engaging teenagers to relish the good weather and strap on their boots, Crocs and even go barefoot for the snappy, fast-paced game to help with healing.
Active Southland rangatahi adviser Greg Houmakau said it was always great to see young people actively involved in the now annual event.
"They really need positive things to do out here in Bluff and Rangatahi Zone provides that for our kids during the school holidays."
Barbershop owner Toma Waihirere said providing the free service was fulfilling.
"I thought it was right to give back to the community and get involved.
"This is our third year here. It’s all about the kids, that’s what we are all about.
"If you look around, after these haircuts are done, you see the smiles on their faces, and you see the impact it makes on them."
Mr Waihere said it was rewarding to watch youngsters proudly walk away with freshly styled fades, cuts and a few mullets too.
The Invercargill-based business was one of more than 80 organisations taking part in the event.
