3 October 2013

Students invited to have their say in interactive Vote Auckland panel discussion

This Friday, 4 October, Auckland Council is holding an interactive “Vote. Don’t” panel discussion aimed at educating students about the importance of having a say by voting in the 2013 local elections.

A diverse group of young Aucklanders, including popular stand-up comedian, Guy Williams, exiting Councillor Michael Goudie and 2013 Women of Influence category finalist, Nive Sharat Chandran, will make up the panel.

Sarah Young, Communications Manager for Local Boards at Auckland Council will MC the panel event and says “we really hope that lively audience and panellist discussion will be generated around relevant youth issues - and how voting can affect what matters most to students”.

Auckland Council Electoral Officer, Bruce Thomas, says, “When it comes to local elections, attracting young voters to have their say can be difficult”. Currently voter returns for Auckland are also low, especially compared to other New Zealand cities like Wellington and Christchurch.

The election ballots close at noon Saturday October 12. Visit www.voteauckland.co.nz to find out more.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the discussion, which will begin at 12pm, Friday 4 October at AUT in the Sir Paul Reeves Building - Conference Room - Taiwhanga HUI WA224A.

Panellist line-up:

Guy Williams: Stand-up comedian, TV personality and political science graduate

Nive Sharat Chandran: Finalist in the women of influence awards 2013, Vice-President of Auckland’s YWCA and youth coordinator and advocate for Shaki Legal Advocacy and Family Services

Ryan Mearns: Urban planning student and member of Generation Zero - a youth-led climate change awareness organisation

Cr Michael Goudie: Elected at just 22. Exiting Albany Ward councillor

Madison Hughes: First year communications/business student at AUT and first time voter

To find out more, go to www.voteauckland.co.nz

ENDS

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