Youth at the heart of Hurunui
Youth Week has been in full swing in the Hurunui district with the council’s community team facilitating a number of events.
From the launch of the Youth Strategy to the well-attended junior and senior formals, this year’s theme ‘Ahakoa te aha, kei a koe te tikanga: Be who you want to be’ has been celebrated by the young people of the Hurunui.
Community team Leader Rochelle Faimalo said the region was known throughout the country for its strong youth programme.
‘‘We are lucky enough to have high youth participation and engagement in local government processes and Youth Week has been the perfect opportunity for us to showcase this.’’
Of particular importance for the week has been the Hurunui Youth Strategy, which was launched last Monday night and will be adopted by the both the council and youth council.
The strategy was formed after consultation with more than 300 Hurunui youth and aims to recognise the value of youth voice, while providing guidance on the setting of priorities and ongoing support.
The strategy identifies four key objectives: future focus; our environment; connected community; and positive youth development.
Mayor Winton Dalley said he was looking forward to the Youth Strategy being adopted after its successful launch showed how much work had been put into producing the document and the value it would bring to the district.
‘‘Our young people are not just the future of tomorrow, but are a valuable voice of today and with this strategy we hope to strengthen the representation of the youth voice for the benefit of our entire district.’’
The Youth Strategy has been well received and the Hurunui Youth Programme will now present it to the council and Environment Canterbury ahead of the development of an action plan.