Time to speak up on Auckland’s future generations

Aucklanders are being called to speak up on the important issues facing our children and young people, with the launch of a draft action plan.

Developed with Auckland Council’s Youth Advisory Panel, the draft Children and Young People’s Strategic Action Plan, found at www.putmefirst.co.nz, is a key step to create positive change and improve the prospects of children and young people (aged 0-25) in Auckland.

“People aged under 25 years old make up 40 per cent of Auckland’s population – that’s bigger than the population of the Wellington region,” says Mayor Len Brown.

“I encourage all Aucklanders, young and old, to tell us what they can do to help improve the prospects of our children and young people,” he says.

National and international reports highlight New Zealand’s poor rating on many indicators of child welfare and low rates of investment in children and young people.

“Some of our most disadvantaged communities are those in which we anticipate will have increased numbers of children and young people in the coming years. We must do something now to improve their prospects,” says Len Brown.

The research shows that children and young people who grow up disadvantaged are more likely to have poor educational achievement, poor health outcomes and be unemployed upon leaving school.

The online action plan was developed using comments of more than 5000 Aucklanders, aged under 25 years old, which were gathered during the development of the Auckland Plan.

Seven goals, featured on www.putmefirst.co.nz, were developed from these:

1. I am given equal opportunities to succeed and be given a fair go
2. I am important, belong, am cared about and feel safe
3. I have a voice, am valued and contribute
4. I can get around and get connected
5. Auckland is my playground
6. I am happy, healthy and thriving
7. Kai ora rawa atu e nga rangatahi katoa - all rangatahi will thrive.

Auckland Council has become the first council in Asia-Pacific to give children and young people an equal voice through a co-governance arrangement with the Youth Advisory Panel.

Aucklanders have from now until 12 July to register with what they can do to help improve the future of the region's children and young people.

The action plan, which is expected to be finalised later this year, will be developed with the feedback Auckland Council receives on the website.