Hon Lianne Dalziel
Spokesperson on Youth Affairs
MP for Christchurch East

12 July 2002

Building the Future – Labour’s Youth policy

Building the Future is the vision behind Labour’s Youth Affairs policy released by Lianne Dalziel in Auckland today.

“At the last election the touchstones of Labour’s Youth policy were Investment, Identity, and Independence. This year’s policy builds on the platform that has been achieved in government and emphasises the themes of voice, purpose, and protection,” Lianne Dalziel said.

“Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa, released by the government earlier this year, signalled an important shift away from their traditional deficit model to one that promotes the development of young people in a positive way.”

Lianne Dalziel said it was ironic that she was leading Labour’s Youth Affairs policy when she had been Minister for Senior Citizens for the past 2½ years.

“However, as I have told many Grey Power groups, it didn’t take me long to translate all I had learned as opposition spokesperson on Youth Affairs into the New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy, which has at its heart a commitment to communities for all ages.

“Younger people and older people alike need to feel that all-important sense of belonging, and to be able to participate in their communities in the ways they choose. When young and old alike can participate fully in the community, we can begin to build the future.”

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