Youth to converge in Southland for conference

Around 70 young people from all over New Zealand will converge in Southland for a Youth in Local Government Conference which kicks off tomorrow (Wednesday, April 18).

Invercargill City Council Community Development Manager Mary Napper said 157 people had registered for the conference which was also open to adults who work with young people and had an interest in youth development.

“This is the first time Southland has hosted the conference which is held biannually.

“Invercargill City Council is delighted to host this motivating and inspiring conference in partnership with Southland and Gore District Councils, the Ministry of Youth Development, the Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs and Venture Southland,” Ms Napper said.

Ms Napper said conference attendees would spend the afternoon and evening at the Oraka/Aparima Marae in Colac Bay for leadership training run by the Ministry of Youth Development and a Mayoral Reception.

Along with a number of interesting and relevant workshops for youth the conference would also feature keynote speakers Natalie Jackson from the Waikato University, talking about population trends and the effect on youth, along with Amy Scott who specialises in Communication and Marcus Akuhata-Brown who specialises in youth leadership.

The conference would provide the opportunity for those working in local government to develop stronger links with young people, to build networks and discuss issues.

It was also an opportunity to share knowledge, listen to speakers and remind us that we all have an important part to play in growing active citizens, Ms Napper said said.


Members of the media who would like film and photo opportunities are invited to come to the Oraka/Aparima Marae in Colac Bay from 2pm onwards on Wednesday, where there will be lots of interactive activities that youth will be taking part in.  For more information please phone Community Development Manager Mary Napper, 021 391 674.