10 April 2012

Young Manurewa leaders emerge to take responsibility for future priorities

Young people are being actively courted to take responsibility for the strategic direction of one of Auckland’s most youthful suburbs: Manurewa.

The Manurewa Youth Council (MYC) will host its first forum where young people are encouraged to outline their priorities for improving the community for the betterment of future generations of residents. The forum will play a key role in helping to define MYC’s future priorities over the coming 12 months.

Simeon Brown, who chairs the MYC said young people were becoming far more involved in the leadership of the Manurewa community, and expect to play a much greater role in the leadership of both central and local government in the future.

“The MYC is interested in taking action for the well-being of the wider Manurewa community, both now and in the future. The forthcoming forum is not going to be a feel-good event. What we are taking about is a free and frank discussion about what’s good and what’s not in Manurewa, and what we as young people are going to do about it.

“As young leaders we are not interested in Manurewa being negatively portrayed. Nor are we interested in public policy outcomes that continue to deliver economic deprivation in local neighbourhoods, year in year out.

“The MYC has been established with the full support of the Manurewa Local Board, and we have a mandate to channel opportunities for reform on behalf of younger residents. The forthcoming forum provides a great opportunity to do that,” Simeon Brown said.

All young people in Manurewa are invited to come along and bring their ideas for consideration.

Where: Manurewa Recreation Centre, Frances Street, Manurewa 2102.
When: Saturday, 21 April, 9am - 12pm.
Who: Young Manurewa residents aged 12-24
Topic: Where would you like to see Manurewa in 5-10 years?

Light refreshments are to be provided free of charge.

ENDS

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