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Media Release 22 June 2005

Manukau's Young Achievers Rewarded In Duke Of Edinburgh's Award

Manukau City Council will host the Young New Zealanders' Challenge (Te Wero Taiohi a Aotearoa) Bronze Award Presentation Function at the Civic Centre on the evening of Monday 27 June at 6pm.

35 young people 14 years and over from the Manukau community will receive a Bronze Award for their achievements in one of the following categories: service, skills, expeditions or physical recreation.

Sir Barry Curtis Mayor of Manukau says, "We are proud to be associated with Young New Zealanders' Challenge, also known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. The programme introduces young people to exciting, positive, challenging and enjoyable things to do in their free time. It encourages friendships among participants and the adults who give up their time to share skills."

Danny Lama, Manager of the Pakuranga Youth Centre is actively involved with the initiative and is very proud of the young people who have qualified for a Bronze Award. He says, "Manukau City Council is very supportive of this programme, which we promote on our youth website, www.ontoit.org.nz and through programmes at The Pakuranga Youth Centre and the Clendon Community Centre.

"You can join through your present school or youth group or by becoming part of the local award group. From the age of 14 any young person can participate and the only person you are competing against is yourself. Then you can move onto the silver award when you are 15 and the gold when you are 16.

"I would encourage all young people to check this out. It is a constructive way to use their spare time whilst learning new physical skills, serving the community and developing life skills to serve them well in the future."

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Young New Zealanders' Challenge please contact the Pakuranga Youth Centre phone: 576 9739 or the Clendon Community Centre Phone: 266 1100

ENDS

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