Media Release
8 June 2006

Stars Come Out for Manukau Youth

Take former All Black Orene Ai’i; add TV/Radio personality Stacey Daniels, Sione’s Wedding star Teuila Blakely and a little entertainment from Adeaze and Spacifix to the mix and it’s a recipe for success for Converse 06 – Manukau’s Youth Summit.

The “Violence is not OK” summit, organised by Manukau City Council will see 120 students from Manukau’s secondary schools and alternative education providers work together to look at ways they can reduce violence amongst Manukau youth. Topics up for discussion are:

- Youth crews

- Alcohol and drugs

- Crime

- Leadership

MC for the day Orene Ai’i says:

“Growing up in Manukau I am passionate about changing the negative mindsets held by many of our youth. I know there is a lot of potential not being fulfilled and that youth can really make a difference in society. There is no better way to get the anti-violence message out than for it to come from one of their own.

“If we can develop leadership skills in young people and encourage them to act as role models on the school campus, we’ll go a long way to breaking the cycle of violence for Manukau’s at-risk youth. ” says Orene.

The aim of the Summit is to establish a network of youth leaders to take the summit outcomes forward and advise Council on issues and policies affecting youth in Manukau.

Converse 06 will be held at the Auckland Botanic Gardens on June 15 from 9am – 3pm. Manukau City Council is sponsoring the event with support from Youthline, Affirming Works, Alternative Education providers and the South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network.

For more information on the event please contact Manukau City Council’s Safer Communities Co-ordinator Greg Adam, Phone 263 7100.

ENDS

BACKGROUND FOR MEDIA

The Converse Youth Summit concept was initiated by Auckland City Council in 2005 to give youth a voice on issues that affect them and to encourage them to take up leadership and peer support roles in their communities.

It won the UNICEF Child and Youth Friendly Community Award for community projects last year. This year there will be four urban youth summits held in Waitakere, Auckland, North Shore and Manukau.

Media are welcome to attend the Summit. A full programme for the event is attached. Please contact Greg Adam – Phone 263 7100 to confirm your attendance.

ENDS

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