07/07/2005

Oto youth and mayor get to grips

Some students may not even know the name o their mayor, let alone have conversations with him.
However, Otorohanga College students are now able to get to know mayor Dale Williams personally, with regular meetings between the two parties.
Eight students representatives - head boy David Williams, head girl Jesse Manson-Bolt, student council chairperson Andrew Bruce, board of trustees student representative Thomas Martin and house leaders Renee Te Wano, Rangihurihia McDonald, Toby Arnold and Lewis Rattray have agreed to meet with Mr Williams once a term as an "information sharing activity".
Aimed to keep students informed about community initiatives and allow them to have a stake in the planning process, the meetings also act as an opportunity for them to raise any issues or questions and relay information back to their peers.
Meetings are held. alternatively between the college and council buildings.
Mr Williams, who was involved with a youth forum several years ago, said since being elected as mayor he is keen to build stronger lines of communication with young people.
"It's been an interest of mine for a longtime to have a more formal discussion mechanism with our young people. I wanted to look at ways we could involve younger people more closely."
The need for this communication grew late last year following several incidents of youth-related crime and suicide.
Mr Williams said with the co-operation of principal Keith Alexander, he "wanted to achieve a comfortable level of communication".
I didn't want it to be a burden."
While term one's meeting took place on the students' turf, the most recent meeting saw the students visit council premises where they were given a guided tour and introduced to key staff members.
Mr Williams said. one of the main issues discussed during the meetings has been the new youth centre, which will be located in the old Regent Theatre building in Tuhoro St.
The students have highlighted their enthusiasm for the centre by fundraising for the project during the school's mufti day.
"I think that is just incredible," said Mr Williams.
With the high level of local development, Mr Williams feels it is important that the youth - like all groups within the community should be kept informed and have a chance to contribute.
"We don't want to leave anyone behind if we can help it."