For Immediate Release/ 15 May 2002

Youthtown Bringing out the best in kids!

ACCOMODATION GAP PLUGGED

Groups of young people visiting Auckland can now stay safely and cheaply in a unique environment close to the heart of the city.

Auckland's Mayor, the Hon. John Banks QSO today officially opened Youthtown Lodge, a $425,000 accomodation facility, built over the entrance of Youthtown's headquarters in Nelson Street.

With room for 56 guests, Youthtown Lodge is expected to become the accommodation of choice for visiting groups from all over New Zealand.

"Up till now, youth groups have normally been faced with a choice of either not visiting Auckland or staying a considerable distance away from its centre and from most points of interest," said Youthtown's Executive Director, Jeremy Sutton-Pratt.

"Auckland is a magnet for groups of young visitors and our new facility is within easy reach of a very wide range of attractions, including the New Zealand National Maritime Museum, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, MOTAT, the Aotea Centre, the Auckland Art Gallery and Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World.

"We also know that many students visit Auckland to check out tertiary education. And there are also sports groups, cultural groups, urban experience groups as well as an endless list of others visiting the nation's largest city. But, until now, there's been nowhere for them to stay," he said.

The overnight charge per person at Youthtown Lodge has been set at $15 per head including GST. Guests will be free to use the building's established facilities, including a 25 metre heated pool, gym, Learning Centre and recreation rooms.

Equipped with new bunks as well as showers, toilets and a coin-operated washing machine and dryer, Youthtown Lodge also has a chair lift from the ground floor and other facilities for guests with disabilities.

Mr Banks described today's ceremony as not just a celebration of Youthtown Lodge's opening but of the considerable contribution Youthtown itself has made to Auckland down the years.

"Youthtown's mission is to bring out the best in kids by providing opportunities, encouragement, guidance and support. In this way, it enables and empowers young people to become ideal citizens, contributing to a positive social vision," he said.

In addition to regular holiday programmes, Youthtown offers a wide range of sporting and leisure facilities along with a secure, drug-free and alcohol-free meeting place for young people from all over Auckland. The not-for-profit organization also collects youngsters direct from school, providing parents with the assurance that their children are in a safe environment.

Approximately 15% of Youthtown's operational costs are met by the Auckland City Council, whilst the remainder are drawn from individual bequests and donations as well as from affordable user charges.

For further information, please contact:

Jeremy Sutton-Pratt, Executive Director, Youthtown (09 379 5430)

Keith Thorpe, Marketing Manager, Youthtown (09 379 5430)

Released by Ian Morrison, Matter of Fact Communications Tel: 09 575 3223, Fax: 09 575 3220, Email: matfact@ww.co.nz

© Scoop Media