Youth voices heard

A recent nationwide week celebrating young people provided a great opportunity for Hurunui Youth Council (HYC) members to explore what the youth of this District like about their own backyard, and what they’d like to see more of.

‘Our voices matter, we deserve to be heard’ was the theme for National Youth Week which ran from 7th to the 15th of May, where topics such as mental health, the environment and youth events were discussed.

With this theme in mind, HYC members hosted an Instagram live Q&A with Mayor Marie Black, and held barbecues at Cheviot Area School, Amuri Area School and Hurunui College, collectively giving youth multiple platforms for sharing ideas.

Chair of the Hurunui Youth Council Millie-Grace McIlraith believed the theme for the week was fitting, and said the discussions were enjoyable.

“I am extremely proud of our HYC members and the youth of Hurunui. It was awesome to see about 400 local youth use their voices and speak up, and we are excited to take action on their great ideas. A huge thank you to everyone who helped us to have a great Youth Week.” she said.

HYC received $1,000 of funding from Ara Taiohi – Peak Body for Youth Development to put towards the week's events.

Youth Development Officer Ward Shearman said many ideas relating to the four pillars of the Hurunui Youth Programme were explored; future focus, environment, connected community and positive youth development.

“Everything we do aligns with one or more of these four pillars. It was great to hear that these values still strongly align with our young people.”