Website opens up new opportunities for young people

These school holidays there's a new place to go for North Shore City's young people - without even leaving home.

The www.shoreyouth.co.nz website will give young people new opportunities to share news, air their views and show off their talents.

The site has been developed by the North Shore City's Youth Council, in conjunction with the city's youth liaison co-ordinators and the Local Output group. It will be administered and maintained by volunteers from each of these groups.

Youth liaison co-ordinator, Tim Flinn, who was part of the web design team says the aim was to create a dynamic and interactive site where young people can "spend some time looking around, checking out what's happening, discussing their issues and adding their own flavour".

The site has a gallery where budding artists can post their artwork, music clips, and photos. Meanwhile the articles section will carry reviews, creative writing or feature stories, and for ongoing discussion, there's a 'forum'. Issues already raised include drag racing, the need for venues, graffiti walls and improved public transport.

"We also thought it would be great to get students to feature their school or university events in there, to add colour. They could post pictures of social events, fundraising and themed days and also put in sports results with snapshots of the action. This is a great site that will just grow and grow."

Nessie Chan, co-chairperson of the Youth Council explains that the website was developed as a result of young people not knowing what there was to do in North Shore City.

"Once people started talking about it, it was obvious there was plenty happening but there wasn't an effective way of letting everyone know. Young people don't really read the paper to see what's happening, they are more likely to find out by word of mouth. However, many young people spend quite a bit of time on the web," she says.

North Shore City Council's youth advocate and representative on the Youth Council, Dianne Hale, says the website has tremendous potential.

"This is a good example of moving with the times," says the city's deputy mayor. "It's an excellent way to give young people more of a voice, and to encourage their participation."

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