Teenagers car club plan gains support of Polytech

A plan to set up a car club for Northeast Valley teenagers has taken a step forward, with Otago Polytechnic agreeing in principle to the club using its automotive department workshops.

While there were still many details to be fleshed out about how the venue-sharing arrangement would work, the polytechnic was keen to be involved, head of the school of architecture, building and engineering John Findlay said.

"It is a good initiative and we are keen to support it if we can."

He expected the club would meet in the evening or at the weekend, which would be outside the hours the workshops were used by students.

The idea was raised about three months ago by North Dunedin community constable Julian Real, who hoped a club would give teenagers the chance to work on and improve their vehicles, learn new skills, work alongside positive role models and use their time constructively.

Already, two mechanics, a man who worked with hot rods and a welder, had indicated they were happy to be involved, he said.