The Big Az ROTAZ Race too amazing to miss!

Hundreds of dollars are up for grabs in next month’s ‘The Big Az ROTAZ Race’ for local teenagers.

The race, organised by Rotorua District Youth Council in partnership with Te Waiariki Purea Trust’s Ira Matatau rangitahi leaders, takes place on Saturday 4 October from 10am to 3pm.

Teams of up to five people will race against each other, and the clock, in an event similar to television series The Amazing Race. Using only a bus pass, city map and clues, teams will race their way to roadblocks scattered throughout Rotorua. Once a team finds the roadblock, members must successfully complete a challenge to earn the next clue.

The first team to finish will win $600; there is $400 for second place; and $200 for the third team to reach the end. The event is open to young people aged 13 to 18 years.

Councillor Tania Tapsell, who is coordinating the youth stream of Rotorua District Council’s People Strategy said engaging with local young people was a key part of the Rotorua 2030 vision.

“It’s really cool to see this initiative coming from young people – and for young people. They’re going to have a lot of fun while at the same time they’ll be learning from the challenges the race presents in terms of problem-solving, creative thinking and team work.”

RDC youth liaison and youth council chair, Reade Nikora, said the aim of the event is to get local youth out-and-about in the city and to promote community engagement.

“The youth council has helped out at many community events this year, including the Fire and Ice winter festival. However The Big Az ROTAZ Race will be our first solo event with other young leaders so we’re really excited about it.

“We’re confident the race will be a success and hopefully create further opportunities for youth council-led events. We want our young people to take pride in being part of the community so the more events we can facilitate for our youth the better.”

Mr Nikora said the youth council had also enjoyed working alongside the rangitahi leaders, saying they are a “real asset to have on board”.

“The leaders have been able to learn from the youth council and vice versa – each providing a different point of view. This collaborative effort has been awesome in allowing us able to reach more youth from around Rotorua.”

Registrations for The Big Az ROTAZ Race close on 24 September, and are $10 per team, which includes a free t-shirt for each participant. There is space for only 60 teams, which can be made up of three to five members.

Entry forms and more information is available online on the council website rdc.govt.nz under the ‘Our Council’ tab, followed by ‘Youth Council’, or check out the ROTAZ Youth page on Facebook.

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