Youth publication profiles one-third of Auckland's population

Auckland Council’s inaugural Children and Young People in Auckland publication highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by the demographic group, which makes up one-third of Auckland’s population.

The new report, which will be launched this week and highlights the opportunities and challenges faced by the region’s youth, complements the Auckland Plan’s focus on this group. It includes contributions from the likes of Judge Andrew Becroft, Principal Youth Court Judge, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, the Muslim Youth Advisory Council, Rainbow Youth and Parent & Family Resource Centre.

“The publication highlights the diversity of Auckland’s children and young people and the challenges and opportunities they, and their families, face in contemporary Auckland,” says Auckland Council senior social researcher, Dr Carina Meares.

“Although many of our children and young people are healthy, happy and excited about their future, too many of Auckland’s children live in poor circumstances, have poor health outcomes and their families have limited choices and opportunities,” says Dr Meares.

“All children and young people need safe, stable and loving family environments, warm homes, active engagement and participation in education, connections with good friends, wholesome involvement in their local communities, and a sense of safety and belonging,” she says.

The 2006 census counted 288,573 children aged up to 14 years and 198,477 aged between 15 and 24 living in Auckland – more than a third of the Auckland population and a third of all children and young people in New Zealand.

Auckland Council will develop a Children and Young People’s Action Plan by the end of 2012, which will identify priority areas and actions.

The report is available on the Auckland Council website here:
http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionDocuments/aboutcouncil/planspoliciespublications/technicalpublications/childrenandyoungpeoplesreport2012.pdf

 

Note to editors

The Children and Young People in Auckland publication will be launched at a workshop for children and young people on Thursday 24 May from 9am-10am at the Women’s Pioneer Hall, Freyburg Place. Media is welcome to attend. Please RSVP to shae.skellern@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz