Otago Community Trust Supports Youth-Led Digital Safety Initiative

Media Release

Otago Community Trust is proud to announce a $350,000 grant over three years to support Netsafe's Otago Young Digital Leaders Pilot, an innovative initiative that places rangatahi at the heart of digital safety solutions in their communities.

The pilot programme will empower young people across Central Otago, Dunedin, North Otago, and South Otago to become leaders in addressing online harm, designing their own projects, and influencing policy decisions that affect their digital lives.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Otago Community Trust for backing youth-led innovation in online safety…” said Netsafe CEO Brent Carey. “Netsafe is also investing in this initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to serving all regions and communities across New Zealand, a commitment we strengthened when we opened our Dunedin office in 2024.”

The initiative comes at a critical time, as young people navigate an increasingly complex digital environment. The programme will establish four youth groups (rōpū) across Otago, where rangatahi will collaborate with peers to develop community-specific responses to digital wellbeing challenges.

Through youth-led workshops, leadership development, and advocacy training, participants will build confidence, skills, and networks that extend well beyond the programme. The projects they create - whether educational resources, policy recommendations, community events, or research initiatives - will be entirely determined by the young people themselves.

The three-year pilot will begin with two locations in Year 1, expand across the region in Year 2, and focus on sustainability and knowledge-sharing in Year 3. Netsafe brings over 25 years of expertise in online safety education and will facilitate the programme while ensuring rangatahi remain the primary decision-makers.

“The digital world is evolving rapidly, and with major policy changes ahead, it’s more important than ever that the voices of young people are heard and reflected in the solutions we co-create.” said Brent.

This grant is part of Otago Community Trust's Tamariki & Rangatahi Impact Fund, which is aimed at supporting tamariki and rangatahi across the region. The Trust recognises that this project has potential for lasting, intergenerational impact - not only for the young leaders directly involved but for future generations who will benefit from their work.

The initiative is also supported by other philanthropic funding and Netsafe's own investment, demonstrating strong collaborative commitment to youth-led digital safety in Aotearoa.