23 May 2016

Share this story

Young Christchurch leaders say their input is becoming more important as the city regenerates and builds a new identity.

Youth Week, which focuses on young people and their development, is underway and runs until Sunday, May 29.

The theme this year is Giving - with a focus on the way young people support their families, friends or community and the help they receive from people around them.

Christchurch Youth Council Executive Member Sofie Hampton said many people think the opinions of young people don't matter, but she believes the opposite is true. "Our ideas are very important. This city is our home and our future and we have a right to contribute to the changes being made in our city. Youth also notice many gaps that the adults making the decisions seem to miss, that mental health, cultural diversity, and having places that are youth friendly are really important for our young people."

She wants to see Christchurch become a "youth friendly" city that people feel welcome and excited to live in. 

Shane McInore, a Youth Disability Advocate, joined the Council's Disability Advisory Group because he realised his voice was important and he could make a difference. His goals for future Christchurch are more free activities for youth and more reliable public transport. "These days everything costs, and if there were more free activities I think we would see less trouble."

Aimee-Chantelle Gough, the Youth MP for Te Tai Tonga, said she would like to see youth having an equal voice to those in positions of power.

"I would like that other youth would embrace the same passion, desire, enthusiasm and excitement that I do to 'Stand up and have their say'. Why it is important to them, what for, who, when and where different forums are to hear youth voices.  I would like youth confident that Christchurch was built up in a way that had their inclusion, to feel Christchurch is seen as user friendly, safe and that they feel protected now and for the future of Youth."

Events are being held around the country to mark Youth Week. In Christchurch the Youth Participation and Justice: Unicef Youth for Change Conference is being held today from 9am until 4pm at the Canterbury Horticultural Society on Riccarton Avenue.  The conference includes discussions about global issues and topics such as morality, peace, development and how to inspire change. 

A free gig on Sunday, May 29 at 2.30pm will celebrate both Youth Week and New Zealand Music Month. It will be held in the foyer of the Christchurch Art Gallery and feature Indi and Motte, a collaborative experimental project from young musican Indira Force (Christchurch-based electronic trip band Doprah) and violinist Anita Clark (Devilish Mary and the Holy Rollers).