Youth Voice

Empowering Coromandel's youth so they can have more formal input into local issues is being supported by all five of our Community Boards.

Earlier this month Council staff presented to all the Boards on the idea of a "Youth Voice," The proposed model comprises of two youth representatives per Ward aged 16 - 24 years to meet with the Community Board Youth Champion / Portfolio holder on a regular basis and report to the Community Board within their area at least twice a year.

The Youth Voice is a way of gaining a formalised youth voice on our Community Boards. The champion or portfolio holder will then present the youth perspective on issues at Community Board meetings, the role will be supported by the area Community Coordinator.

"One of the key visions identified in the Youth Strategy, was that the Coromandel was a place where young people's voices were heard," says Marlene Perry, Thames Community Development Officer.

"A youth / Council partnership group was established to explore how we could facilitate an initiative that would not only accommodate a youth voice, but would also encourage it," says Mrs Perry.

A report will now go to Council at its meeting on 18 May.

Partnership Fund supports youth arts project

The Ministry of Youth Development and our Council have formed a partnership fund to support our commitment to youth.

The fund is providing up to $1000 per ward for the Youth Voice Art Project and is now open for applications and closes at the end of April.

The criteria for the fund are as follows:

• Have a youth (aged 12 - 24) leading the project
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• Have the project completed by 30 June 2016
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• Have an adult supervisor and a receiving group for the funds (i.e. school, charity, society etc.)
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• Complete the mid-way and final evaluation forms for Ministry of Youth Development
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The project can be any type art including music, fine arts, circus, performances etc.

To download an application form head to our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/youth-arts

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