Youth Week 2024

Held every year, Youth Week is a nationwide celebration of the talents, passions, and achievements of young people (rangatahi), as well as their contributions to communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. The week also recognises the e orts of youth workers, youth service providers, and others working with and for rangatahi.

In 2024, Youth Week 2023 is being held between 20 and 26 May. As chosen by rangatahi and the youth sector, Youth Week 2024 is celebrating the theme:

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all - Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiaho.

The week inspires us to value, support, and a rm the diversity of rangatahi in our society. Just under 13 percent of New Zealand’s population, and slightly more than 11 percent of Wairarapa’s population, are aged 15 to 24 years. They are our future.

A rming our young people during Youth Week 2024

(Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi) and Sport New Zealand (Ihi Aotearoa). Ara Taiohi was formed from an amalgamation of New Zealand Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development and the National Youth Workers Network Aotearoa, becoming operational in February 2011.

about your event so it can be advertised.

Follow Youth Week on Instagram. For more information, email admin@ arataiohi.org.nz or call 04 802 5000.

Youth Week is run by an entity called Ara Taiohi, the peak body for youth development which is supported by the Ministry of Youth Development

Visit Ara Taiohi’s website for resources and keep up to date with events happening throughout Aotearoa New Zealand (arataiohi. org.nz/youthweek). If you plan on running an event during Youth Week, you can submit information

Carterton District Council Youth Coordinator Megan Pullin and Carterton Youth Council co-chair Josephine Kumeroa at the Colour Run.

THURSDAY 13 JUNE 6PM-8PM

are warmly invited

 Year 9 Orientation Programme

Setting rangatahi up for life

Youth2Work Wairarapa is responsible for the delivery of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme in the Wairarapa district and has been operational in the region for about five years. Since June 2023, the programme has shifted up a gear as the mayors from all three district councils in the district banded together to support MTFJ’s mission

• Build knowledge, skills, and relationships with ongoing benefits to rangatahi, employers, communities, and the country’s economy.

• Maximise opportunities for rangatahi that are future-focused and aligned with economic development.

• Integrate education, training, employment, economic and community development.

The Youth2Work team focuses on sustainable long-term employment for rangatahi, with pathways for growth within a role. Kylie Brady, Team Leader at Youth2Work, says her team builds rapport and relationships with the rangatahi, works out what their

‘right fit’ might be in a workplace and a team, and then helps to make it happen.

When considering ‘fit’, the age of the rangatahi is critical. “Some workplaces set a minimum age limit of 18 years, due to Health and Safey reasons, for example,” Kylie says. There’s also the issue of transport, given the dispersed geographical spread of the region and the hours of some entry level jobs. And there’s the interests, passions, and skills of their clients to consider, too.

Jenni Hall, Youth2Work’s Business Connector builds relationships and forms partnerships with businesses, ensuring they have the tools to support rangatahi to succeed. This includes supporting businesses to

become youth friendly by providing techniques for interviewing, resolving conflict, and managing sta . Jenni’s connections can mean employers and candidates can be linked in a straightforward way.

The rate of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand who are not employed or in education or training (NEET) spiked following the global financial crisis as youth joblessness rose, peaking at 15.1 in the latter half of 2009.

Masterton District Council is delighted to support Youth Week and the plans by Wairarapa’s youth representatives to mark the occasion.

Masterton District Youth Council is hosting a free screening of The Mountain at Regent 3 at 4pm on Monday 20 May –scan the QR code to score one of 100 available tickets.

Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiahoo.

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

In the March quarter of 2024, according to Statistics NZ, the overall rate was 12.4. In Wairarapa, however, the NEET figure of 6.2 in the March 2023 quarter (most recent figure) is considerably lower than the national average. Kylie experienced, first hand, a drop in the NEET numbers in the region after Youth2Work started. She’s certain of the causal link between her team’s work and Wairarapa’s lower NEET figures.

Employers can even connect with Jenni prior to advertising their roles, thereby saving time and money. The pastoral care of both employer and the rangatahi placed in a role are important parts of Youth2Work’s kaupapa, including any coaching and mentoring that rangatahi may require. The Youth2Work sta are well positioned for this work, with backgrounds in community-based skills including tutoring, teacheraiding, farming, fostering, and other caring roles.

WE WANT YOU TH!

Since June 2023, Youth2Work has received 130 referrals (including self-referrals and referrals from other youth services). If rangatahi are not work-ready, they can enrol into training at UCOL or take time until they are ready to take their next steps. However, of the referrals received since July last year, 70 are already in employment, and well over half of these have been in the same job for more than 90 days.

For more information join the Youth2Work Team at their ‘Business After 5’ events held in Martinborough on Tuesday 21 May and at Go Zone on Thursday 23 May.

On 22 May, 4.30-6.30pm, South Wairarapa youth representatives are hosting a sports afternoon with a giant lolly scramble at Greytown Park.

And on 24 May, Carterton Youth Council will host a youth disco, from 6.30pm, at the Carterton Event Centre.

What is the Masterton District Youth Council?

We’re a team of rangatahi, who lend our voices to council and champion youth in our communities. What we’ve been up to already this year:

y We’ve attended a stay at Castlepoint, to work on our plan for the year.

y We’ve contributed to the Long-Term Plan.

y We’ve helped at events like Whānau Day, Summer Hummer, and attended the Anzac Parade.

y We’re working with the other youth representative across the Wairarapa to run Youth Week events.

Check us out on facebook and Instagram: @mastertondistrictyouthcouncil

Wairarapa REAP’s Youth2Work Team from left: John Roberts, Jen Turner, Kylie Brady, Jenni Hall, and Nathan Matthews. Jenny Gasson is absent from the group photo. Inset: Jenny Gasson

by providing techniques for

causal link between her

A success story: Profiling Lily Moore

Lily More is one of the many success stories from the MTFJ and Youth2Work. Aged only 17, Lily has recently started work as the Support Coordinator at MP Mike Butterick’s Masterton-based electorate o ce.

Originally from Wairarapa, she spent her high school years in Auckland, before returning to family in Wairarapa to begin her search for a job.

“Youth2Work was amazing,” Lily says.

“They helped me draft my CV, find job opportunities, and assisted me with my applications for jobs. The biggest help was showing me what my transferable skills and experiences are.”

Previously, Lily had several casual or part-time roles as a receptionist at Carterton District Council, the golf club over summer, and other customer service-related roles.

Through these, Lily built on her natural people skills from being part of a large and social family.

These skills and experiences stood Lily in good stead when applying for the Support Coordinator role in Butterick’s local o ce.

“I’m the front-facing person at reception. I also find events for Mike to attend locally,” Lily says.

Lily is on the path to a great career, with the support of Youth2Work.

Some of the assistance available to rangatahi working with Youth2Work

• Achieving your learner, restricted, and full Class 1 licence.

• Support and knowledge on how to become work-ready, with one-on-one and with some group site visits.

• Developing an action plan including career options, creating a pathway, setting your goals, management of time and self, and wellness.

• Learning about how to draft a CV and identifying your unique transferrable skills, writing the cover letter when applying for a job, job seeking techniques, and making sense of job adverts.

• Understanding practical things such as employability skills, health and safety, and how volunteering can be a first step

on the ladder.

• Understanding finances such as budgeting, KiwiSaver, loans, and debt.

• Being prepared including interview skills, personal grooming, and employment contracts.

Phone: 0800 968 842

Ask to speak to the Youth2Work Team.

Location: 340 Queen Street, Masterton.

Email: info@youth2work.nz

Website: www.youth2work.nz

Social media: Facebook – Wairarapa Youth 2 Work Movement

Join us for our Business After 5’s

Gen Z make up 15% of our population and they (those born between 1995 and 2009) are the future of our workforce. However, not every business owner or employer feels equipped to take someone from this generation.

at’s where Youth2Work Wairarapa comes in. We are your local provider of the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs in the Wairarapa. Our role is to help our local youth into sustainable employment but it’s also to help our employers access the tools and support available to hire someone young and help them thrive in your business.

We’ve put over 250 youth (16 to 25 year olds) into roles in the Wairarapa in the past 4 years so we know what makes our youth tick.

We invite you to join us at these A er 5 events to talk about the ongoing support we can o er to help you nd the right person.

Tuesday 21st May 17:30pm – 19:30pm Heartland Services 39 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough

Thursday 23rd May 17:30pm – 19:30pm Go Zone Wairarapa 45 Norman Avenue, Waingawa

From left, Kylie Brady (Team Leader, Youth2Work), Mayor Tracey Collis (Tararua), Mayor Ron Mark (Carterton), Hon Mike Butterick (MP for Wairarapa), Jenni Hall (Business Connector, Youth2Work), Gary Ca ell (Masterton), Acting Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter (South Wairarapa), Lily More (Support Coordinator, Mike Butterick’s o ce).

Involvement of Carterton’s rangatahi in local democracy

Civic engagement in Wairarapa is stronger than in New Zealand as a whole, with higher turnouts for both local and general elections in Wairarapa.

Our local passion for civic engagement is reflected in the involvement of rangatahi in governance at a local level.

In the heart of Wairarapa, Carterton's Youth Council stands as a beacon of inspiration, igniting the flames of leadership and community engagement among the region's young residents. Since its revitalisation in September 2023, this dynamic council has been on a relentless mission to champion the voices of rangatahi and shape the future of their district.

Comprised of passionate locals aged 12-24, the Youth Council embodies the spirit of collaboration and determination. Co-chairs Josephine Kumeroa and Thanvipregya Thirumarban, along with members Laila Shields, Brook Ah Wong, AJ Jordan, and Maddox Swanson, lead the charge with unwavering dedication

Our youth are confident in front of our council members and have some great out-of-scope points of view.

and enthusiasm.

The support from local government o cials has been welcomed in driving the council's initiatives forward.

Mayor Ron Mark, Deputy Mayor Dale Williams, and Carterton's other councillors, have all actively participated in Youth Council meetings - demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the next generation of

leaders.

Beyond their role in governance, the Youth Council is embedded in Carterton's community fabric. From leading fundraising events like April's Colour Run to fostering an environment of camaraderie and growth for their members.

Co-chair Josephine Kumeroa said this sense of whakahoahoa was instrumental in her joining the Council.

"I signed up because I thought it would be some fun and because I needed to get to know some more people around my age," shares Josie. "I have enjoyed being able to develop more of my skills in communication and leadership, as well as being able to

hang out with like-minded people. And, of course, the pizza is a bonus!"

Megan Pullin, Youth Coordinator at Carterton District Council, said she was extremely proud of the rangatahi.

"They have stepped into their leadership roles exceptionally well, and the growth from September to now is incredible. Our youth are confident in front of our council members and have some great out-of-scope points of view."

As Youth Week approaches, Carterton's Youth Council invites all young residents to join in the celebration and be part of a movement that is shaping the future of their community.

Youth Council members attended March’s Ordinary Council Meeting

Hapū Mama Early Pregnancy Programme

Tui hosts Euro games

Mangatainoka

Motors’ second car event of the year will showcase vehicles from British and European manufacturers on Sunday, May 26 at the Tui Brewery, north of Pahiatua.

The event will be “a thrilling display of automotive excellence, featuring brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, and MercedesBenz and the sleek curves of BMWs, to the iconic design of the Mini”, event organiser Jesse Robinson said.

Tui Brewery’s carpark would serve as the backdrop for a gathering of “some of the best performance cars in the world”.

attending, we are amped to do it all again. We are looking forward to seeing what gems are brought out for the day, to battle it out.”

The day promises not only a visual feast for car aficionados, but also an opportunity for enthusiasts to connect and share their passion for British and European automobiles, Robinson said.

11.30am.

Tui Brewery will give all proceeds from the show’s registrations to regular beneficiary, the Mangatainoka Reserve Restoration Project. To register, head to www.tuihq.co.nz and check Facebook for updates.

The 2024 Mangatainoka Motors Show and Shine series takes place on the last Sunday of the month until November.

“After the success of our American Car Day last month, with over 140 cars

British and European car and bike enthusiasts can register their vehicles for $10 and be in to win prizes, including a $500 Tui voucher for Star of the Show. Visitors are encouraged to make it a day trip for the family, with free entry and live music, along with food, cold beer and other refreshments. Brewery tours will take place at

Upcoming events include V8 Day on June 30, Japanese Car Day on July 28, General Motors v Ford Day on August 25, Hot Rod Day on September 29, Two Wheels Day on October 27, and Vintage and Classic Day on November 24.

Fine examples of British and European car manufacturing are expected at the Tui Brewery. PHOTO/SUPPLIED