10 March, 2026

Function at the Junction precedes centre’s birthday

Happy mix… Shore Junction director Annaliese Hewitt says the centre’s diverse users all get along

Shore Junction rocked with “Summer Sounds” last Saturday, as bands performed ahead of the Takapuna youth centre’s official fifth birthday later this month.
Dicey weather meant the musicians set up inside the transformed former Takapuna RSA building, rather than playing as planned on a new deck built at the edge of the area once occupied by the Takapuna Bowling Club. The reclad and relined clubrooms have a new life as a band practice studio, with a workshop being built next door.
The outdoor area features plenty of open space, with a corner where used bicycles are being repaired. Inside are games rooms, a dance studio and meeting areas.
Shore Junction director Annaliese Hewitt said the centre had 6700 registered members. “Some come every day and some once every two years.”
It provides a multi-purpose space for North Shore youth aged from 13 to 24. With a median age of attendees of 16-17, it is busiest after school.
During the day, older students and those transitioning to work make use of it, as can people with a disability aged up to 30. Advice on CVs and budgeting is available and training opportunities include the chance to learn barista skills. Rooms are hired out to a range of groups.
Summer Sounds, which was supported by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for a third year, included a community wardrobe swap and youth markets.
Of the four bands playing, three practise at the centre and the other, Coast Arcade, which has done well in Rockquest, has a connection through a staff member.
Shore Junction Records gives an opportunity each term for selected musicians to record with a producer.

Centre staff, who are police vetted, are on site during opening hours from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Hewitt says a diverse mix of young people enjoy chilling out, playing pool or other games, making a coffee or finding a quiet space to study. “They all get along here, because they want to be here.”
She has noticed an explosion of e-sports since the centre opened. A studio has also been upgraded due to growing youth interest in making podcasts.
Parents are able to visit during the quieter day times to see what’s available.
Attendees must register to be allowed entry. Should anyone young arrive during school hours, checks are made to establish whether they have permission to be out of class.
Screen time is time-restricted so access can be shared around. Otherwise activities are mostly unstructured.
Future plans for Shore Junction include an extension of its bike “upcycling” and ideas for planter boxes to encourage gardening.

• Shore Junction was set up under the umbrella of the Takapuna-based Yes Disability service, but it has its own staff. Hewitt transferred across to be its founding manager.
  Its official fifth birthday is on 19 March. When Yes Disability celebrates its 20th anniversary in June, a joint celebration will be held.

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