Youth Centre urged as part of new library/hub

May 9th, 2013

Tasman District councillors heard a submission yesterday urging a youth centre to be included as part of the Motueka library and community hub initiative currently being examined by council.

Paul Johnson, a Motueka community youth worker, along with two youth councillors from Motueka High School made their submission to the TDC as part of council hearings held in Memorial Hall on submissions for the 2013-14 annual plan.

The two youth councillors were Jacob Linn and Harry Townsend, both Year 13 students at Motueka High School. They argued there was the need for a youth centre that offers a wide range of activities in a facilitated fashion - that it be youth-led with the assistance of youth workers and adult volunteers.

Other points they addressed were that the youth centre should be built on a strong platform of Respect and a Code of Conduct amongst the youth that use the facility, that it offers workshops and learning opportunities for local youth, and that it include a kitchen, meeting room and larger room for events.

Another important point was that it would offer a safe haven for young people to come to and would get them off the street corner. Within the facility there would be information available to young people as to where they can seek help if needed.

The presentation was upbeat and humorous at times. A nice moment was when Harry explained that if there was a young version of Mayor Richard Kempthorne out there who was aspiring to become mayor, that the centre could offer an opportunity for that young person to meet with the current mayor and learn what it takes to become mayor.

On questioning, one councillor suggested the high school should be seen as a youth centre, but the students pointed out that they spend much of the day at the school and would hardly want to go back there on weekends and evenings for their leisure activities.

The text of the submission Paul Johnson put to the council's annual plan was as follows:

"I have become informed that the Tasman District Council is looking at the Town Hub/Motueka Library project and is to set up a working party to look at long-term solutions. I believe they will look at the best site for the buildings and the possibility of other facilities being included in the complex.

"As a Community Youth Worker with Get Safe Motueka it is my responsibility to inform you that you must consider our young people when exploring what is to be included within the complex. I have been working with local teenagers for four years now. Over this time I have become aware of the overdue need for a Youth Centre within our town.

"There has been a long history of people wanting such a venue. Surveys and public consultation has been carried out by the community issues class at Motueka High School, the results were in favour of a venue.

"I urge the members of the working party to include a Youth Centre within the building complex.

"Motueka has for many years needed a central place for young people to meet. This would be a facilitated environment that would allow young people to pursue their creative interests (Arts, Dance, Drama, Music etc) and would provide a safe and social setting.

"However the attainment of a Youth Centre has always been a difficult task to fulfill. The building of a new library complex is a fantastic opportunity to welcome our young people in. The town hub is the core of a community, young people are an essential part of that community and for which they need to be honoured and celebrated. This is the ideal time to finally incorporate a Youth Centre.

"Although some youth make great use of the Recreation Centre and the nearby skate/BMX park to socialise, an added central location would encourage youth to be active participants in the heart of the town and our community. It would also help channel their energies in a safe, open environment.

"Could you please encourage the working party to consult with youth leaders in their investigations and planning work, to ensure we can make the best use of this opportunity for the town into the future."

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