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Changing the culture on the Hibiscus Coast to make it more attractive to young people is the challenge that has been taken on by a couple calling themselves Coast Collective.
Charlotte and Harrison Burt recently moved to the Coast, and Charlotte, who grew up here, says she found nothing much had changed since she was a teenager.
“I left the Coast when I turned 18 because there wasn’t much happening for people my age,” Charlotte says. “After living in the city for eight years I convinced my husband Harrison, who grew up in the city, that we should try living back on the Coast and we moved here three months ago. This place has so much potential, and we love living here.
But what we’ve found is that the culture for young people still hasn’t changed and there is nothing to do here but get drunk. We decided to do something about that.”
Between them, the couple have a background in youth work, social media and event management, and their first step was to create the Coast Collective blog to showcase cafés, shops and recreational activities that the area has to offer.
The Collective also set up a launch party for a locally made video (see story below) and a new market for young people.
Charlotte says that the Coast Collective Market, which was first held last week, May 16, at the Sea Scouts Hall in Orewa, creates a platform for young people to use their skills, talents and strengths locally.
The market began with 12 stalls offering jewellery, clothes, art, as well as food, coffee and music. Charlotte says it received a positive response that will allow it to grow. All the stall-holders are aged 15–30.
She says the Collective would love to hear from anyone who has great ideas for the Hibiscus Coast, and needs some support or encouragement to turn their dreams into reality.
“I would love to see a more creative culture for young Coasties,” Charlotte says. “We need more businesses, events, cafés, organisations, art galleries and shows run by young people, for young people.”
