Youth Week 2013: Celebrating Living like a Legend

Youth Week 2013: Celebrating Living like a Legend

Youth Week runs from May 4th to 12th and is a nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders to celebrate the talents, passion and success of young people.

Wellington, May 4th, Today Ara Taiohi launched Youth Week 2013. Over the next nine days approximately 200 events will celebrate everything youth throughout the country. The theme for this years events is “Pakiwaitaratanga | Live like a Legend”.

Sonya Hogan, Executive Officer for Ara Taihoi explains, “Youth Week is an absolute highlight of our year. The programme for 2013 is gearing up to be the best yet. Community groups, schools and local councils have really taken a no-holds barred approach. There is a myriad of events happening in every corner of the country and we hope to see record attendance.”

Many of the events are based around music, art, sport and general well being, others like Matamata College are digging deep to start conversations around some of the challenges facing young New Zealanders. By highlighting the successes and efforts of Kiwi legends, the school hopes to educate and empower their students about the resources and tools available to help them. For information about the events please visit www.arataiohi.org.nz.

Nikki Kaye, Minister of Youth Affairs explained, “Youth Week is an opportunity to celebrate young people and their role and service in our communities. Young people that I speak to across the country would like more opportunities to make a difference in our community if given the chance. Youth Week is an opportunity to recognise them.”

Youth Week 2013 was made possible by support from Ministry of Youth Development, Smokefree New Zealand and Inspiring Stories Trust.

About Youth Week Aotearoa New Zealand:

Youth Week is being held from May 4th to 12th. It is an annual nationwide festival of events organised by young New Zealanders to celebrate the talents, passion and success of local young people. The events are designed to encourage young people to take on challenges, share ideas and focus on the positive aspects of being young. Adults are also encouraged to support and celebrate our young people and all the amazing things they do. The week also recognises the youth service providers, youth workers and others working with and for young people. For more information log onto: www.http://arataiohi.org.nz/YouthWeek

Over the past 6 years it is estimated that over 184,000 New Zealand youth have participated in more than 1,200 events nationwide. Youth Week has been celebrated in Aotearoa New Zealand since the late 1990s. The nine day celebration has been coordinated by Ara Taiohi since 2010 with the support of the Ministry of Youth Development.

International History of Youth Week:

Youth Week began in 1995 with a handful of events scattered throughout Canada. Since then it has gathered momentum and is now celebrated each year in countries all around the world. In Aotearoa New Zealand Youth Week has been celebrated since the late 1990s.

Media Contact:

Lisa Gregory | 021 552 610 | media@inspiringstories.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media