Rotorua students sponsored to Rise and Shine festival

Thirty Rotorua students will be among thousands of youngsters at the Rise and Shine Festival in Hamilton today, after they were sponsored to attend the annual event.

The tickets were given to Rotorua students who couldn’t afford to make the trip to the youth festival at Claudelands Events Centre. Transport and supervision have also been provided.

“The children are from all over, some from the youth centre and youth programmes, some from Awhina High, the children we chose them through the current community work we do,” said one of the sponsors, Crash Palace Backpackers director Chris Woodney.

Other sponsors include Charlie Brown (aka DJ Optimus Gryme), Mitai Experience and Respec Ltd.

The festival promotes healthy eating, physical activity, and culture with a focus on inspiring and motivating youth right through to adults.

The Main Area features a line up of musicians, bands, and sports people including the Chiefs and the Vodafone Warriors.

“The music and bands playing all have a message that I believe children need to hear,” Woodney said.

Meanwhile, the Playground and The Village stage will have recreational pursuits including an Amazing Race and a school challenge coordinated by Auckland’s Rock Up, Sport Waikato and Te Ahurei o Rangatahi.

Former New Zealand Warrior and festival MC Wairangi Koopu said the third component, the Education and Careers Expo is “probably the most important”. The expo is designed to provide advice and information on future training, development, and employment opportunities. It will also host health and wellbeing stands as the centre of the event.

“This festival overall is an opportunity for youth to engage and have insight into some pathways they can choose to take them into adulthood. It’s all positive and this is why I became involved,” said Koopu.

Event manager Tama Hata expects the event to attract around 5000 people.