The Young Neighbours Trust was established almost a decade ago to offer scholarships to students in remote communities who are unable to access further secondary education after year 9 or year 10.
While some of the students might be struggling with ongoing systemic poverty, for some it was the sheer distance from adequate government services which meant that many communities in the Far North, Te Urewera, and Te Tai Rāwhiti left school early and fell into unemployment.
Year 10 student Summer Roberts-Tuahuru was a recipient of the trust.
Summer arrived at Roncalli College last year from Minginui in the Bay of Plenty.
She said the scholarship had done a lot for her.
"It has opened up more opportunities."
She said coming from a small and isolated community "we had no sports and stuff to do".
She said while she had never really experienced being in a big community, the trust had offered her that.
Summer said the scholarship had helped her with the the way she was now.
"I want other kids to experience it too."
Head girl Maevi Fleming said the concert was raising money for a "life-changing cause" and she hoped as many people turned up as possible.
Deputy head boy Jack Steele was co-ordinating the performances, and would be playing the piano on the night.
He said there were a lot of bands that had been developing their sound over the years.
"Even though it is just a high school performance, some of the bands had been together since primary school.
"They’re excellent."
There would be a lot of raffles on the night, from a super fast dash in a Lamborghini, massages, go-kart races, meal vouchers and more.
While tickets would be for sale for a discounted price from the school office in the days earlier, on the night it would cost $5 for a child and $10 for adult.
If you miss the event and want to make a contribution to the cause, donations could be made at the office.
