Hon Anne Tolley

Acting Minister for Youth

21 October 2016
Media Statement

Youth in Civil Defence Fund initiatives announced

Seven initiatives will each receive $5000 of funding under the inaugural Youth in Civil Defence Fund, Acting Youth Minister Anne Tolley announced today.

“This fund is about increasing the involvement of young people in civil defence and emergency preparedness,” says Mrs Tolley.

Organisations including local Councils, Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, a youth theatre trust and a regional helicopter trust will receive funding, for initiatives ranging from a two-day workshop which includes a trip to White Island’s active volcano, to the creation of a civil defence video resource.

“It’s important for our future resilience as a nation that young people are engaged in preparing for emergencies, and are part of the effective response to them,” says Mrs Tolley.

“The youth-led initiatives funded all seek to reach out to other young people and inspire them to get involved.

“As well as learning more about civil defence and emergency preparedness, participants in the initiatives will also develop valuable skills such as leadership and mentoring.”

Recipients and initiatives funded

Auckland Regional Helicopter Trust, for Rescue Run 2016. This is a team-based event that sees young people taking part in a series of simulated emergency response situations.

Northland Youth Theatre Trust, for Civil Defence Emergency Preparedness Video Project. This project will involve young people working alongside performing arts mentors to create two short films with a focus on emergency preparedness.

Horowhenua District Council, for Leadership Camp at Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre. By using real-life emergency scenarios, this camp will help develop the leadership skills and knowledge of young people.

Bay of Plenty CDEM, for Exercise Whakaari 2016. The two-day mentoring workshop will see young people discussing how emergency management works in NZ and the possibilities of future opportunities. This workshop will also give young people a chance to visit White Island.

Auckland CDEM, for 3-day Emergency Services Camp. This camp will see young people from a disadvantaged background engaging with various emergency services (St John, NZ Fire, Coastguard) in a distinctly rural setting.

Hurunui District Council, for Get Ready, Get Through Civil Defence Hui. The Hui will introduce young people to civil defence and emergency preparedness, and also enable them to be mentored by previous Youth in Emergency Services programme participants.

Chatham Islands Council, for Civil Defence Cadet Program. This program will enable young people to see the working environment of an Emergency Operations Centre, while also engaging in mock emergency situations.

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