Waimakariri youth priorities discussed

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

The environment, making Dudley Park more family friendly, recognising youth achievements and ensuring a youth voice are the priorities for Waimakariri’s young leaders.

The Waimakariri Youth Council developed a work plan earlier this year to focus on six key projects over the next 18 months.

Speaking at last week’s community and recreation meeting, Waimakariri District Council community team manager Tessa Sturley said the initiatives were all youth led.

‘‘We are seeing an increased focus on citizenship; the Covid-19 epidemic has seen an increased focus on mental health and having that sense of belonging to a community is really important to them.’’

Community and recreation committee chairperson Cr Niki Mealings said the youth council played an important role in the district.

‘‘It’s about building up our young people to give them the skills, the space to grow and to develop that sense of belonging, so they want to stay here or at least come back when they’ve seen the world.’’

In a report prepared for the meeting, youth development facilitator Emily Belton said the environment was a key focus for the youth council.

An environmental project group was busy supporting community events, building relations with likeminded organisations and raising awareness.

The group was also mapping op shops around the district to help local youth to reduce their impact on the environment.

A river clean-up day in partnership with the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group was also being planned.

Covid-19 has delayed efforts also impacted on the youth council’s plans to develop a family friendly space next to the Dudley Park skate park in Rangiora.

The council granted $20,000 to the project in the 2019-20 annual plan, while a second $20,000 grant was made in this year’s annual plan and the Aotearoa Gaming Trust has awarded a 10,000 grant.

It meant the youth council could proceed with stage one of the project, to install an activation platform.

The youth council was developing a mural concept with a local artist, which ‘‘is representative of Waimakariri youth today’’.

Other proposed stages in the project include installing mounded seating, a natural play mound, a picnic table and a volleyball court.

A growing recognition of the youth council had seen it represented at various committees and events including council committees, Youth Voice Canterbury, the Rangiora Big Splash and ECan’s Public Transport Steering Group.

The youth council has also been working with the elected councillors to develop a youth service award alongside the council’s community service awards, which will be presented next month.