14 February 2017

Youthful city plan progresses

Auckland Council today released its I Am Auckland Status Report, marking three years of progress in its city-wide strategic action plan for children and young people.

“Auckland is full of creative, energetic and insightful young people. Many of the half a million young people living here are thriving and engaging in the design and leadership of their city,” says Councillor Penny Hulse, Chair of the Environment and Community Committee of Auckland Council.

“However, some young Aucklanders still face challenges in their health and wellbeing, school achievement, employment and ensuring their voices are heard on issues that affect their lives. This status report aims to focus the council family’s efforts and to ensure that children and young people have the tools and opportunities that they deserve to prosper,” she says.

Council and council-controlled organisations have already delivered more than two hundred discrete actions, policies or programmes that are explicitly focused on children and young people.

In particular, Goal 4 of the strategic action plan, “I am given equal opportunities to succeed and have a fair go”, has seen 71 activities and action areas delivered over the last three years. They relate to education, connecting with work, learning and skills development.

Goal 6 of the strategic action plan, “Auckland is my playground”, has seen the development of 69 activities and action areas relating to sport, recreation, arts and culture.

The status report profiles a number of key initiatives that are delivering these outcomes. It also identifies opportunities for the council family to take further action in future.

The report identified that more can be done towards achieving goal seven, Rangatahi tū rangatira (all young people will thrive). Council can also look for further opportunities to focus on education and employment outcomes for Māori and Pacific young people and maintain a focus on areas of the city with high numbers of young people, particularly in the south.

“Auckland Council is committed to building a city where all children and young people are nurtured and supported. Together the council family and empowered young people can build on the vision of I Am Auckland and create a sustainable future for all Aucklanders,” says Councillor Hulse.

ENDS

© Scoop Media