Hamilton youth take on city leaders in skateboarding debate (30 June 10)

Three young Hamiltonians will go head to head with three of the city’s political leaders today in a debate to mark the close of Hamilton’s inaugural Youth Forum.

The public debate - involving Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood, Councillor Daphne Bell, and Green party co-ordinator Mark Servian - will focus on the issue of skateboarding in Garden Place, but with an interesting twist. While Anaru Warren (20 years old), Brendan Madley (17 years old) and Daniel Schmidt (16 years old) will argue against skateboarding in Garden Place; the city leaders will argue for it.

Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood says that while the city leaders face formidable opposition, they are ready for their youthful challengers.

“This city council has acknowledged that Hamilton is a young city and one which wants to give opportunity for the young and the young at heart to express their full capacity, show their exuberance and display their expertise. What better way than going head to head on such a hot issue today. We encourage anyone that heads down today to be prepared to be convinced!”

The debate, hosted at 2pm today in the Gallagher Hub at Wintec will mark the close of the Hamilton Youth Forum. The forum is organised by youth and for youth and will be held for the first time this year with a full day’s schedule of events running from 10am-3pm.

It is organised by Hamilton Youth Council, sponsored by the Ministry of Youth Development and supported by the Sir Peter Blake Trust and Hamilton City Council.

Highlights of the day include an address from keynote speaker and Sir Peter Blake Antarctic Youth Ambassador, Natalie Mediema as well as leadership and participation workshops, panel discussions and spot prizes.

Hamilton City Council social development team leader Helen Paki says, “This is an important initiative developed by Hamilton Youth Council for their peers. Over sixty young people aged 12-24 will attend today. It will be a great opportunity to not only showcase the unique contribution young people make to the city but also further empower them to become active leaders in their community.”

View full release online and attached: http://www.hamilton.co.nz/news/pageid/2145861198