Around 30% of students in West Auckland lack reliable access to digital technology, a gap that disproportionately affects Māori and Pasifika rangatahi. This digital divide puts many young people at risk of falling behind in learning, skills development, and future employment opportunities.
A new initiative led by Henderson-based youth development organisation Zeal is helping to change that. Following a successful pilot in 2024, Zeal’s Texpo project has expanded thanks to more than $87,000 in funding from the Your West Innovation Fund. The programme builds on the earlier West Tech initiative, also supported by The Trusts, which provided over 600 rangatahi with free upcycled laptops to improve digital access across the community.
Texpo takes the next step by helping young people move beyond access to actively developing digital skills. ‘We want to make the West one of the best places in the world to be young and into tech,’ says Chris Foster-Winder, Zeal’s West Manager and Digital Director. ‘Texpo allows participants to unlock their device’s potential for learning, earning, and thriving in the digital world.’ The programme is delivered as an intensive two-day digital skills experience.
On the first day, students rotate through four hands-on workstations exploring areas such as podcasting, film and production, digital design, and creative technology. One station, delivered in partnership with Local Making, sees students create game controllers from e-waste, combining innovation with sustainability. On day two, students choose their favourite discipline and focus on creating a finished project they can take away, reinforcing confidence and practical learning.
What’s more, Texpo uses free, accessible software, enabling participants to continue developing their skills at home. To date, Zeal has delivered six Texpo events involving more than 200 students, with a final session planned for early 2026. Participating schools include Prospect Primary, Middle School West Auckland, plus Bruce McLaren, Rangeview, and Henderson Intermediate Schools. Feedback from students and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive.
One teacher from Rangeview Intermediate said the experience sparked lasting enthusiasm among participants, noting that students who built a driving game controller ‘haven’t stopped talking about it’ and are eager to pursue further passion projects.
By opening doors to digital creativity and real-world skills, Texpo is creating pathways for young West Aucklanders to continue their learning. Many participants go on to join Zeal’s wider programmes in videography, graphic design, sound engineering, and other digital disciplines, helping ensure that rangatahi are equipped to participate confidently in today’s digital world.
