A new youth radio station in Rotorua has been set up to provide a platform for youth voice and expression to also enable employability and technical skills.

Run by young folk as part of a new youth radio broadcasting programme, Power Rotorua 88.3 has been launched by the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust.

The station has been on air since Wednesday, January 29, with eight young people presently on the new 24-week programme.

The Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust is providing a dedicated ‘one-stop-shop' for young people with a primary focus on youth development, youth employment and youth health.

The trust focuses on delivering services, programmes and activities that build on the strengths and skills of young people, with youth voice and participation at the centre.

'The new youth radio broadcasting programme will be a dynamic, modern programme that will tap into that makes young people tick and we're excited about its potential,” trust chief executive Jen

Murray says.

'It's a medium young people don't usually have the opportunity to play in. The aim was to create a fun and vibrant environment that encourages creativity and helps build confidence and transferable skills needed to make them employable.”

Alongside the technical skills young people will learn, operating the radio station should develop interaction and work well with others, explore various roles, develop interpersonal skills, set goals and plan and practice self-management.

'Engaging young people in decisions that affect them result in better outcomes and that's central to our approach,” Jen says.

Participants will learn to set up, programme and run the youth-focussed low frequency community radio station as part of a 12-programme to be followed by a further 12 weeks where they will provide

support and mentoring as volunteers with the station.

The optional additional 12 weeks of volunteering will provide further skills, capabilities and resilience and give them valuable work experience and future employment potential.”

Funding has been gleaned from Ministry of Youth Development, Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, New Zealand Community Trust, Sky City Community Trust and the Lottery Grants Board.