Media Release
Monday 9 November 2009
For immediate release

Youth zone a first in Canterbury

The Canterbury A&P Association has introduced a new feature area at this year’s Royal New Zealand Show, specifically for teens.

Voltage is an interactive zone exclusively for 12-18 year olds. The area allows teens to gain hands on experience in a range of different activities under the guidance of professionals.

The area will include an adrenalin rush extreme inflatable course, horizontal bungee and chaos paintball plus entertainment from leading dance and music artists.

Xalt Hip Hop Group, Common Ground Break-dance Crew and an on-site DJ and graffiti artist will be performing and also holding workshops.

The Xalt dance team is based at Zion Studios in Christchurch and is comprised solely of female members from secondary schools around the city. Xalt recently won the champion secondary school age dance club at the New Zealand Schools Aerobic and Hip Hop Championship 2009.

The Common Ground Break-dance crew have won breakdancing titles throughout New Zealand and Australia; they are currently New Zealand reigning Champions. The crew is a regular fixture in Christchurch, practicing in Cathedral Square on weekends.

Christchurch based DJ Antz from The White Elephant Trust will also be performing. The White Elephant Trust, established in 2005, is an incorporated charity that exists to promote the positive development of young people aged 15-25 through coordinating and promoting sustainable entertainment opportunities for youth that are socially credible, safe and drug and alcohol-free.

Professional graffiti artist Pauly Vyle Clyne will also be hosting demonstrations on graffiti as art.

Event Director Rae Finlay believes there is potential for the area to grow in the future. “We have progressively introduced feature areas for different age groups. For instance, the City Farmyard and Sheep Maternity Ward for young children and the popular Tui BaaBaa Bar for older audiences. For teens, we’ve introduced an area where they can interact with friends, challenge themselves or simply relax” added Finlay.

Voltage is open to Show visitors on Thursday and Friday and is located near the Curletts Road – River Turnstiles entrance; it is a safe area with no alcohol. Entry is on presentation of a student ID.

The Royal New Zealand Show runs from 11-13 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park Christchurch. Attracting 120,000 people, over 7000 livestock and feature competition entries and close to 600 trade exhibitors, plus three full days of entertainment, it is the premier agricultural and pastoral event in the country.

ENDS

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