The Aotearoa Youth Declaration is a four-day civic education conference for secondary schools from across New Zealand and which took place from 19-22 April.

The event gives young people from all around the country a forum to come together to learn about and discuss the issues New Zealand faces.

This year the conference was attended by nearly 200 students and 14-18.

Over four days the participants work in targeted focus groups to create policy and value statements on a broad range of issues. The result of this is the empowerment and education of young people, as well as the Youth Declaration, a document which reflects the youth voice.

Mayor Len Brown received a copy of the declaration at the conference on 22 April where he spoke about the importance of young people having a clear and positive voice in policy-making.

“Our decision-making affects you now, as you make transport choices to get to your schools and universities,” he said. “It will affect you years into the future as you look for housing options with children and grandchildren of your own.”

“It is vitally important for young people to have a voice in the future development of the place they live, learn and work in.

“We certainly need the input of young people. Your contribution will only benefit us all in the future.” 

출처 : Auckland Council News