The youth of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki have weighed in on the area’s three-year plan – now it’s the rest of the community’s turn to have its say before consultation closes 14 August.
Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Deputy Chair, Debbie Burrows is delighted to be working with youth.
“Our local board draft plan is centred around the people of our rohe and so it’s great to put the spotlight on local rangatahi.”
Thirteen young people of Maungakiekie-Tāmaki were engaged via social media calls for expressions of interest to give their thoughts on how Auckland Council can best support their wellbeing.
The group was given a tour and snapshot of how the council operates, and context was provided by council’s subject matter experts specialising in youth-related matters. At the end of the workshops, the youth presented their recommendations to the board for consideration to include in the local board draft plan.
Participants capture day one of youth engagement programme
As a result, youth are at the heart of the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board draft plan.
“Our young people are the cornerstone of our community, but they are likely focused on other priorities and unlikely to engage. We’re hoping this approach will give them a sense of community and belonging,” explains Deputy Chair Burrows.
Goals included in the plan are for communities, namely youth, to be self-led and empowered, and given opportunities to participate.
To achieve this, the local board proposes to further collaborate with youth organisations and other key community partners, facilitating connections that lead to opportunities for sustainable funding.
The board will prioritise support for youth-led initiatives that contribute to wellbeing, community resilience and social cohesion. It is also interested in working with agencies and groups advocating to reduce social harm caused by crime and addictive substances. The board will continue to champion projects that activate facilities and open spaces for youth.
Ideas captured by youth participants during engagement session for local board plan development.
For youth to be more engaged and included, the board also proposes to investigate further opportunities for young people to contribute to decision-making and are empowered to be future leaders.
The draft local board plan outlines objectives and initiatives the local board proposes to focus its investment, decision-making and activities on over the next three years. The plan is designed around themes that are essential to the area – its people, environment, community, places and economy.
Now it’s over to Maungakiekie-Tāmaki residents to provide their thoughts on what should be prioritised.
Have your say here.
