Young people’s turn to be heard
Ten young people from Kaitaia, current students at or graduates from Kaitaia College and Kaitaia Abundant Life School, are taking part in the four-day Aotearoa/NZ Youth Declaration, a flagship civics conference hosted by the United Nations Youth Aotearoa/NZ, which began in Auckland on Sunday.
They are supported by Kaitaia’s Building Safer Communities’ Youth Innovations Leadership Programme.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our rangatahi to showcase the amazing attitudes and skills that our town fosters,” Nancy Wiperi (Safer Communities) said.
“Representing the Far North, these young people will have the chance to present the biggest challenges and issues our country is currently facing, and develop solutions and/or policies that address them.
“On the last day they will present the declaration to industry representatives, Members of Parliament, Cabinet ministers, academics, community leaders, local government and sponsors, in a bid to connect with the decision-makers of our nation.”
The Youth Declaration was an exciting opportunity for Kaitaia’s rangatahi to challenge the country’s social, economic and cultural issues by providing a platform to allow their voices to be heard, she added.
The conference was designed to empower young New Zealanders to become conscious citizens” via workshops and by engaging with businesses, organisations and industry experts, the Youth Declaration being a document that would represent the youth voice.