Youth council ready for year
29 March 2016
YOUTH COUNCIL: The 2016 Kawerau Youth Council members: (back row) Majean Rogers, Hohia Heurea, Dylan Edwardson, Hamiora Hooper, Iraia Nuku, Declan Alcock, Justin Ross, Keesha King, Somer Richardson, Shian Smith Nu’u and Rhea Richardson; front row, Timoti Rogers, Rebekah Bloxham, Taylor van Gulick, Elly-Marie Beattie and Destiny Maxwell. Photo supplie
THE 2016 Kawerau Youth Council has been selected, sworn in and is ready to build its community into a better and safer place.
On March 17, 16 young people, eight male and eight female, were sworn in at a ceremony at Kawerau District Council.
Youth projects officer John Rika said he was excited about the year ahead.
“Earlier this year the Kawerau Youth Council collaborated with the Take the Lead programme and hosted the Gallagher Chiefs Rugby Team in Kawerau, for which they were rewarded free tickets to the Chiefs and Western Force Rugby game at Waikato Stadium.”
Throughout the year the youth council would run activities in the school holiday period and it was working on hosting an outdoor movie for the district.
“Next month the youth council will attend the KYC consultation and training weekend in Rotorua, where members will learn how to function properly as a team,” Mr Rika said.
The council would learn about local government and their responsibilities as youth council members.
“Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, they will understand their responsibilities as a youth council and how important their role is in the district and for the future of Kawerau youth.”
The youth council is designed to encourage youth participation in civic affairs and provide a voice and direction on youth issues.
Youth council member Rebekah Bloxham, 17, said she applied for the position for a new challenge, because it was an opportunity and to be a voice for Kawerau youth.
A goal she had for Kawerau was “to get more positive stuff in the news and show everyone how great we are”.
Events the youth council will volunteer at this year include Anzac Day, Kawerau King of the Mountain, Young Achievers Awards, Woodfest, the Kids Diddy Dig Competition and the Christmas in the Park parade.
Source: Whakatane Beacon