Celebrating Youth in Hurunui

From barbecues to bouncy castles, Youth Week this month for the young ones of Hurunui District proved to be a huge success.

Barbecues, music and hang outs at local schools built the anticipation for the main Youth Week event.

The event was held on Saturday the 15th of May at Amuri Area School, involving a Ki O Rahi competition, an inflatable obstacle course, a barbecue, movies, music, and a great turn out from our youth.

Managing these events were Hurunui District Council’s (HDC) Youth Development Coordinators Ward Shearman and Rebecca Pugh.

“Throughout the week we connected with morethan 400 youth in the district which was awesome…It was so great seeing members of the Hurunui Youth Programme (HYP) work together to put on these events for their peers, they worked so well as a team,” said Ward.

He added that the Hurunui Youth Council (HYC) and HYP played a massive part in the planning of Youth Week, coming up with ways to engage and connect with the youth and volunteering their time to lead the activities.

“The youth had an absolute ball, they all really enjoyed themselves… There were kids from all over the district working together in teams and getting to know each other which was so cool to see.”

Youth Week ran from May 10th through to May 15th, with funding provided from Ara Taiohi, and food providedfrom Satisfy Food Rescue.

“We are so grateful for all the support we received. The schools were so accommodating and inviting, and our funding and food supply was massive for the success of the week.”

Ward added that parents were a great help, who not only supervised but genuinely made the time to talk and engage with everyone.

With Youth Week wrapped up for this year, Ward looks forward to seeing what they can achieve in the next.

“This is what it’s all about, seeing young people connect and enjoy themselves. It’s great being a part of that.”