Placed with purpose
A fresh but familiar face has joined the Youth Development Team at the Hurunui District Council (HDC).
18-year-old Waikari local Bradley White has been involved with the Hurunui Youth Council for 3 years.
He has now taken up a work placement at the HDC as part of his studies toward a Diploma in Youth Development, which he is completing via correspondence through Wellington Institute of Technology (Weltec).
“I am really passionate about youth development, and really hoped to land a placement at HDC, so I am thrilled.”
HDC’s Youth Development Coordinator Rebecca Pugh, was delighted to hear that Bradley was keen to be a part of the team.
“We have picked Brad because he has a fantastic natural rapport with young people. Due to being on the Youth Council and part of the Hurunui Youth Programme (HYP) he has great connections with our youth.”
Bradley has a rich background in youth involvement and has snatched up multiple opportunities to be a voice and spokesperson for our youth.
“I was student representative on the Hurunui College Board of Trustees. This is where I really developed the passion to speak up for young people…. When I joined the Youth Council and became a part of HYP, my youth empowering skills really began to form.”
During Bradley’s placement at HDC, Rebecca will be working in partnership with him on projects to create more youth friendly spaces within the district.
“It is great to have Brad on board helping to create future initiatives to benefit our local youth.”
An initiative that Bradley is eager to get the ball rolling on is the Youth in Emergency Services Camp (YES).
Being involved with emergency services himself, Bradley understands the need for volunteers, especially youth.
“I am a volunteer in the Hurunui Fire Brigade, a recruit in training for St John and a part of Civil Defence, so I know how important it is to have volunteers to keep these services afloat.”
Bradley’s skills will also venture beyond the Youth Team into other youth-oriented areas of Council.
Joni Howe, Business Recovery Advisor at HDC will be recruiting him as a mentor as part of Mayoral Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ); a Government scheme connecting local businesses with youth, to create sustainable opportunities for both parties.
“Bradley will be working in the MTFJ space as a mentor to school leavers looking to establish a pathway into work.”
Joni believes Bradley will be a natural fit for the role, and a great addition to the programme.
“Having grown up and completed his education in the Hurunui district himself, Bradley understands the challenges youth face when trying to take the first steps towards independence…. His resilient nature, optimism and personal experiences will enhance the MTFJ programme.”
Although he is keen to broaden his perspectives in the future, Bradley’s heart will always be in the Hurunui.
“I am aware of the needs for youth development elsewhere and being a part of that is an end goal, but for now would like to continue working on the youth development here in Hurunui because it is home.”
