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Youth Vision - Christchurch 2030 Launched

An initiative for young people to have a say in the future vision of Christchurch has been launched, on the 5th anniversary of the sequence of earthquakes that first struck in the city in 2010.

Director of Rebuild Christchurch Deon Swiggs, one of the instigators behind the Youth Vision Christchurch 2030 initiative, says the campaign will give young people a real chance to have a say in shaping the future of the city.

“The regeneration of Christchurch is going ahead full steam but young people have not necessarily had a chance to properly input their thinking into the plans and concepts that are currently being implemented,” says Swiggs.

“Through Youth Vision Christchurch 2030, young people who have an incredible passion and enthusiasm for the city and be able to say what’s important to them and how they would you like the city to develop over the next 15 years,” he says.

Swiggs says a good example of the visionary thinking envisaged by this initiative would be the recent announcement encouraging migrant workers to Christchurch.

“It’s wonderful that migrants will be enticed to Christchurch as part of the long term regional economic strategy but then that poses the inevitable question about how we build a multi-cultural society, a city that is embracing and welcoming for people from different walks of life and ethnicities,” says Swiggs.

“It’s imperative for young people to contribute their views on the characteristics and values that are important for the Christchurch they wish to see created by 2030.”

“The Youth Vision Christchurch 2030 initiative is a ‘facilitated process’ that over the next 12 months will see the youth of Christchurch take a leading role in driving the initiative, working with city leaders and others, to articulate how they want the city to be shaped over the next 15 years,” he says.

A website and social media channels have been established to start the dialogue which will be a stepping stone for fun ways to be involved in the city’s future.

Swiggs says: “It’s important that we all start thinking and talking aspirationally about Christchurch, so a series of really exciting activities and initiatives will be initiated over the coming months to generate future-focussed conversations”.

The project is primarily targeted at young people under 30 years of age but the organisers say it’s vital that everyone is engaged in this Vision 2030 conversation. People over 30 will have a role to play in Christchurch Youth Vision 2030 as facilitators, mentors, experts or just a supporter.

During September and October, the Youth Vision Christchurch 2030 project team will engage with groups and individuals throughout the city and then in November plan to launch further initiatives as part of the 12-month campaign.

ENDS

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