A new space to help connect Hastings youth with employment opportunities has opened in the city

Located in the CBD mall on Heretaunga St West, it's designed to get the council's youth employment services out of council buildings.

That's to make them more accessible and user friendly.

Princess Hokianga-Tonihi was helped into a Defence Force course by the Council.

She's told Hawke's Bay Today it's been a game-changer - as she wasn't doing anything productive with her life, was doing drugs, and had no motivation or self worth.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says a lot of young people need help with things like a CV, extra education or being connected to opportunities.