Double boost for Otara NGO’s entrepreneurial club for youth at risk

Otara based Crosspower New Zealand Trust who work with youth at risk have announced they are one of eight organisations that have been approved funding by the Ministry of Youth Development to help deliver projects that offer entrepreneurial and small business skills to young people.

The organisation which recently marked 20 years of operation, is also one of four South Auckland initiatives to be awarded support from Auckland Council’s Sprint Programme which includes expertise and coaching from the Akina Foundation.

“This investment from the Ministry of Youth Development means we can focus on meeting the needs and wants of our young people, and that is a positive way to make money now and in future,” CEO Dain Guttenbeil says.

“The added bonus of support from the Auckland Council programme means that we’ll be able to accelerate our impact. This will see around 300 Maori and Pacific young people gain the chance to enter entrepreneurial pathways out here in Otara.”

The announcement coincides with the launch of Crosspower’s new strategy which expands its focus to new areas such as the development of a mums and bubs club giving mums with children a chance to gain entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills while at the same time growing the number of 0 to 6 year olds engaged in early education through play.

A media club will also be formed to teach youth to become media savvy and report on their own stories, and a money makers club to educate youngsters in functional business, financial literacy and innovation and given a chance to see their idea come to fruition.

“With a new look board and a few new staff including myself, we’re really excited to be given an opportunity to make an impact in a high potential area,” Guttenbeil says.

“We are at the coal face of fighting poverty and we are ready to be challenged – we believe this community has the answers and are confident the learnings will have nationwide impact.”

Guttenbeil was formerly the General Manager of NZRL and developed the “More than just a game” concept that transformed Rugby League as a key vehicle for social change and pathways in New Zealand, including the ECE league playgroups that caught the eye of Ministry of Education.

He’s now turned his focus to tackle poverty head on.

“Founder Sully Paea is much respected in this community and has done so much to change lives of young people.”

“We’re keeping his vision but we’re ready to take it to another level and take a whole of Otara approach.”

“We’re not waiting for anyone to knock on our door – we’re working right around the clock to find solutions and to do things better. We’re ready to be game changers for our community and we will talk to anyone who wants to work with us to prepare and pathway our youth to a limitless life they deserve.”

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