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Java Katzur
 

Java Katzur (2010 - 2014)

Wellington Girls' College —

Yo, Vocal is a vibrant magazine and online community, started in 2019 by Java Katzur.

Java became interested in hearing how young people interacted with society while studying sociology and anthropology at the University of Canterbury.

"I wanted to create an authentic platform for young people to express themselves, allowing their voice to be shared and heard in a majority unedited way."

The idea came to fruition during her 2018 summer job working in a hotel on the West Coast.  "With so many voices saturating our media, it is easy for young people to be drowned out, disregarded and not taken seriously".

The first edition of Yo, Vocal was created by Java along with Katie Harris and Liam Stretch.  It has continued to grow since issue one, with issue three hitting the shelves in July.  Editing, designing and organising the layout of a print magazine, alongside finishing off a degree, has been no small feat, but Java's passion for the product kept her motivated.

Art and photography are a key feature to the magazine.  "With the magazine's visual storytelling, we have the ability to tell the whole story which can fully engage people."  Nostalgia was one of Yo, Vocal's biggest selling points.

Yo, Vocal is available at 10 stores around New Zealand and online at yovocalmag.com