A new youth-focused technology hub in South Invercargill will soon provide rangatahi with a safe, connected space to learn, create and belong, supported by a $110,000 investment from Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation, the charitable arm of One New Zealand.
Located within the Grace Street Project, a community hub in South Invercargill, the new space will be known as the One New Zealand Technology Hub for its first two years of operation.
The investment forms part of Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation’s broader five-year Invercargill Initiative, focused on reducing youth exclusion and disadvantage across Murihiku Southland.
Te Rourou has been involved in the Grace Street Project since its early stages, including supporting the initial feasibility study in 2021. The Technology Hub represents the next step in bringing the vision to life, focused on improving digital inclusion outcomes for young people and the wider community.
The space will be delivered in partnership with Your Corps, an organisation Te Rourou has worked alongside for the past four years. Your Corps is also a funded partner within the Invercargill Initiative, engaging rangatahi through technology and innovation programmes.
The hub is designed to bring the Invercargill community together, strengthening connections and collaboration, while creating a dedicated, accessible space where young people feel safe and supported, with access to digital tools, learning opportunities and mentoring to build clear pathways into jobs, training, and further study.
Insights from the Thriving in Murihiku and Strengthening Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing in Southland reports highlight the importance of safe, welcoming environments for rangatahi – something this hub aims to provide.
Te Rourou Chair, Juliet Jones, and One NZ Chief Corporate Officer, says the investment reflects a strong alignment with the Foundation’s focus on rangatahi and South Invercargill. “We’ve heard clearly from young people in Murihiku that having safe, inclusive spaces matters. This hub is about creating a place where rangatahi can connect, explore technology, and build confidence in their futures.
“We’re also committed to supporting the broader elements of digital inclusion – ensuring young people have the access, skills and support they need to participate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Lyndal Ludlow, co-chair of the Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust, which runs the Grace Street Project, says the support is a significant step forward for the initiative and the young people it serves.
“This investment helps bring our vision to life. The Technology Hub will be a space where rangatahi feel they belong, where they can build skills, connect with others, and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. It also strengthens our ability to work alongside other organisations to support young people in South Invercargill.”
For more information about Te Rourou, visit https://one.nz/why-choose-us/te-rourou/ or for the Grace Street Project, https://www.thegracestreetproject.nz/
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