A Katikati volunteering community leader is seeking urgent local support to keep the town’s youth employment programme going after it couldn’t secure a contract for future operation.

John Bothwell is determined to keep the Poutama - Pathway Into Employment programme running after news broke that it would conclude June 30.

Poutama – based upstairs in the Katikati Christian Centre on Henry Rd – would close after the Ministry of Social Development decided not to award Katikati Community Centre a new contract to continue delivering the programme beyond the current contract term.

Bothwell, a long-time community advocate, has taken up the challenge to help maintain the Poutama programme.

Bothwell is also a volunteer involved in numerous local initiatives, including the weekly community breakfast, food recovery programme and Community Led Development steering group and other projects,

He said he is passionate about helping youth in Katikati’s community.

“It is a most unfortunate decision to cease funding a great programme that was making an impact for those involved.

“Our youth are in desperate need of a ‘hand up, not a hand out’ – and Poutama was doing just that,” Bothwell said.

He said many in the community did not realise that Poutama looked after its youth for 12 months after the programme to keep encouraging them into workplaces and society.

“Things like Poutama, you don’t realise how vital they are for the community until they’re gone – and by then it’s too late.”

He believed the wider community now had the opportunity to step forward to maintain Poutama.

“If central government cannot continue funding this programme, then we as a community have a duty of care to help.

“Katikati has generous businesses, community organisations and individuals who understand the value of investing in young people,” he said.

He suggested a small to medium-sized business could offer financial support of say $20 per week or $1000 per annum.

“Some of the larger horticultural-based [businesses] and others may be able to provide more financial support and qualify for a 33% tax rebate.

Poutama’s first cohort for 2026. Photo / Supplied

“Some such as ‘Apata’ are already helping with work experience placements for the students,” Bothwell said.

But with a new intake of youth due to commence July 1 and for staff to have surety around their employment, Bothwell said: “We have to act quickly, with only a month’s window of opportunity”.

He was keen to set up a ‘Friends of Poutama’ group to assist with the fundraising push to secure Poutama’s future.

“Nicky [Austin] and her team should be focusing on supporting the young people – not trying to raise the necessary emergency funds to keep it operating-we need the community to rally behind it now.”

Anyone who would like to support the fundraising effort, contribute financially, share ideas or help the ‘Friends of Poutama’ group can email: john.bothwell@xtra.co.nz or phone 021620441. Alternatively email: manager@katikaticommunity.nz

“Our young people deserve every opportunity to succeed,” Bothwell said.

“Losing Poutama would be a significant loss for our community, and we can’t let that happen.”