Southside Slam: Stars Unite to Help South Auckland Youth Programme
Local sports legends and community leaders are coming together on November 2nd at Otara Pool and Leisure Centre to support the NEET Youth Mentoring Programme. With funding cuts looming, Counties Manukau is determined to keep this essential support available for its youth.
The NEET service—short for Not in Employment, Education, or Training—focuses on helping young people stay on track when mainstream paths aren’t working for them. Whether it’s finishing school, exploring further education, or stepping into employment, the programme guides youth towards establishing their next steps. However, with funding set to be cut, the urgency to raise money has never been greater.
“We have the honour and privilege of serving Counties Manukau communities every day and experiencing first-hand the unmatched pride and passion that exists in our people for all things sport,” says CEO Greg Buckley.
“When we were throwing some ideas around for how we might raise funds for our youth mentoring program, it was clear from the outset that this needed to be by Counties, for Counties, so that we could tap into all that community energy.”
“Throw in some Southside Superstars and we got ourselves an event that not only is going to be an awesome fundraiser for our youth mentoring program but with all of the community passion thrown in, one heck of an awesome time too!”
Coached by rugby league icons Ruben Wiki and Keven Mealamu, two teams—Team Maui and Team Kupe—will compete in an afternoon of basketball.
Team Maui features the likes of Rugby League Legends Ali Lauitiiti, 2 x New Zealand NBL Champion Hayden Allen, & Actor Ben Mitchel. While Team Kupe boasts an impressive line up including 8 x New Zealand NBL Champion Prem Krishna, Up & Coming Actor Dimitrius Schuster-Kolomatagi, and even former All Black Lelia Masaga.
Warm-ups start at 12 pm, and the game tips off at 1 pm. Organizers are promising an afternoon of camaraderie and competition, with familiar faces from the community stepping onto the court.
The programme’s goal is to guide young people away from needing government assistance by helping them explore new opportunities.
“Some of our youth need encouragement to stay in school for their final years,” a programme representative explains, “and others just need guidance on what’s out there when school isn’t working for them.” By organizing this charity game, the hope is to not only raise funds but to inspire young people to see what unity and support can achieve.
Each ticket purchased is a vote of confidence in these young individuals and a step towards a stronger, more resilient community.
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By Tikilounge Productions & Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
Arts & Culture Journalist Destiny Momoiseā