Veronica Stuart
Chairperson - Te Poaka Tipua Charitable Trust

Monday 6 October 2014

Media Statement

“Trust takes on task of working with Linwood intersection youth in Christchurch”

The Poaka Tipua Charitable Trust makes an announcement today that they are in preparation for launching their community and youth programmes that are to be based in Linwood Christchurch.
The trust chairperson Veronica Stuart has spent the last 6 months researching the needs of the local community and observing the movements of young people frequenting the intersection of Buckleys, Aldwins and Linwood Ave

Activity of young people that frequent Buckleys and Linwood on a regular basis include but are not exclusive to window washing, hanging out with the window washers, drug deals, selling of drugs, stabbings, car chases, smashing of cars in the car parks, drinking, smoking marijuana, smoking methamphetamine, smashing shop windows, throwing stones at the McDonalds building.

The Te Poaka Tipua Charitable trust is now based at 5 Buckleys Road, Linwood which was formerly a private commercial business venture. The trust has already opened its doors to people that are desperate for emergency accommodation given Christchurch’s housing situation and with the launching of its youth and community programmes it will be a full on opening three months

“There is an absolute need to work with the young people of this community who are frequenting the intersection and harness their energy, talents and aspirations in a way that has multiple benefits for the local communities” – says Veronica
The formal interview research schedule has started and the results from these interviews will make for a very heavy workload over the next 6 months.

Chairperson Veronica looks forward to working with the young people, their friends and communities and will be meeting with as many local NGOs, community organisations and community police officers to work out positive pathways for the young people and their families.

Funding avenues are being explored by the board over the next 3 months with the first need being to secure enough funding to start pre-employment programmes and youth programmes such as an alternative education programme for expelled students in the area, hosting youth wananga and helping young people and their families get ahead with everyday struggles of life.

As a trust we are not here to try and solve the community’s problems but more so, to exist as an option in which young people and their families can have, when trying to get ahead in life.

Many young people have talked about their family backgrounds and they are crying out for leadership that is attractive to them. “I believe the solution for the communities problems here in Linwood will come from themselves, our role as a trust is to facilitate that process and to seek resources and platforms that can make that happen” says Veronica

Veronica says that if there are community groups and leaders that would like to help out with the trust, then she would love for to hear from them

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
VERONICA STUART 021 029 37740

ENDS

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