Recipe Book - Taupo District Council

Taupö District Safe Community
12
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE
The Taupö District, through the provision of activities, facilities and events
specifically for youth demonstrates the Communities commitment to young
people and the acknowledgment that young people form a significant part
of our community and have the same rights as everyone else, especially to
be heard, to be included, to be protected and to live fulfilling lives.
The District can support young people by providing role models and
acknowledging their achievements.
What are the measures?
Youth activities and facilities: Events planned by, for and with young people
1. Why is this measure important?
Young people offer high levels of energy and ability and frequently make
positive contributions to the Taupö District. Young people test society’s
values and norms, provide energy and new ideas and encourage change.
They form a significant part of our community and have the same rights
as everyone else, especially to be heard, to be included, to be protected
and to live fulfilling lives. They have different needs and perspectives from
those of adults and should be consulted on community development
2. Latest Data
Activities, events and facilities for young people in the Taupö District
include:
• Youth Festival – Class of 2009 was held over eight days at the end
of May as part of Youth Week. The event was planned by community
groups and well-attended by young people. It involved performances,
activities, workshops and educational experiences. Over 2000 young
people participated in this event.
• Big Music Day - Annually the Taupö School of Music holds a big music
day at the Great Lake Centre, where young musicians come together
for the day and work with a well known conductor. It is a fun day where
the level of performance changes greatly with the help of the conductor.
By the end of the day a performance is held for the public.
• Youth Talent Quest – The Taupö Youth Arts Trust held the Youth
Talent Quest in October. Young people aged between 8 and 18 were
welcome to perform as a solo, duo or group in various categories.
From this winners were selected and a concert held.
• District Youth Awards - Each year Taupö District Council in conjunction
with Taupö Times holds the District Youth Awards where young people
from intermediate to high school age are nominated in one of four
categories. There are three age groups and the outstanding young
person and runner up in each are acknowledged with a trophy/
certificate and prize money. There is also an outstanding winner who
is selected over all nominees.
• Children’s Day was held in March 2009 where children and families
participate in a festival of activities and events.
• Department of Internal Affairs Project - Funding was gained for
three years to employ a Community Development Worker based at
REAP to work with issues for young people in the District. The project
addresses key issues for young people and brings various community
partners together for initiatives for young people.
• Ministry of Youth Development Young Peoples forums were held in
the District for young people to express their opinions and thoughts
on youth issues. The event was facilitated by the Ministry of Youth
Development.
• Arts scholarships – Creative Taupö, the Community Arts Council
of the Taupö District, holds a youth arts scholarship. There are two
scholarships open to young people under the age of 18. Each year
there is $1000 for both the performing and the visual arts category
winners. Visual entrants need to bring along work they have completed
in the 12 months prior to the scholarship, and performing entrants need
to perform two contrasting pieces.