After an extensive refurbishment journey, Taiohi Tūrama – Rotorua Centre for Youth has officially reopened its doors, thanks to the incredible support of Red Stag.

The transformation of the centre has left the community in awe, with exciting new spaces now available for young people to enjoy. From vibrant gaming zones and an arcade, to a performance stage, library, modern café, and inviting chill-out areas, the facility has been designed to reflect the needs and aspirations of Rotorua’s youth.

The reopening day began with a blessing by Reverend Tom Poata, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by CEO Jen Murray alongside Red Stag’s Melissa Bennett. Guests then toured the revitalised centre, experiencing first-hand the energy and creativity built into every corner of the space.

Designed with Youth, for Youth

A unique feature of this refurbishment was the extensive youth consultation process that shaped the centre’s design. Between 15 May and 7 June 2024, a survey was promoted across Rotorua to gather perspectives from young people aged 12 to 24. A total of 106 responses were collected, providing valuable insight into what local youth prioritise in a community hub.

Following the survey, three interactive focus groups were held with both service users and non-service users. These sessions built on the survey results, giving young people the opportunity to expand on their ideas and co-create the vision for the new Taiohi Tūrama.

The feedback was clear: youth wanted a space that was modern, creative, and social. Priorities included a café with plenty of art and atmosphere, LED lighting, live music, performance and karaoke opportunities, as well as a mix of entertainment such as arcade games, board games, air hockey, and comfortable chill-out areas. A quiet lounge and reading room also ranked highly among the requests.

A Hub for Belonging

The refurbished Taiohi Tūrama now reflects this vision, successfully incorporating as many of these elements as possible within its space. It is more than a facility – it is a place where young people can connect, express themselves, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

With its doors now open once again, Taiohi Tūrama stands as a testament to collaboration between youth, community, and sponsors, and promises to be a cornerstone for Rotorua’s young people for years to come.