Otaki Youth Events
In May 2008, Otaki Community Board member Penny Gaylor presented her colleagues with an idea. She wanted to make a calendar of youth events. They were to be fun, local and free, giving young people something to attend that they could call their own, embodying the Greater Otaki Vision, engaging the community and showcasing the talents and passions of the community's young people.
The board endorsed her proposal and the Otaki Youth Events scheme was created. The scheme focuses on having a diverse range of events throughout the year; using local skills, talents and resources to link youth to people and facilities in their community and using council facilities in a way that increases usage and ownership by children and young people.
Identifying those people and groups in the community that wanted to work with young people and children gave the Board a platform to create the scheme. By tapping into their enthusiasm and passion for young people, the board was able to draw on ideas, people and resources that would combine to create events to make Otaki a great place for young people.
Since then, 17 youth events have been held, from Radio DJ Days to pool parties and beach days, short film festivals and art exhibitions. Each has attracted hundreds of Otaki young people, has been based locally and has been free to attend.
The community board has been able to run each event at minimal cost because of the significant involvement of community volunteers, including young people. This involvement of community members and groups has allowed the board to extend its reach into, understanding of and engagement with its community, particularly Otaki's young people and their whanau / families.
The resoundingly positive feedback has shown that not only have these events given young people (who traditionally have difficulty accessing activities) something to do that is their own, they have heightened their awareness of community facilities - be it the beach, the park or the Memorial Hall. This has resulted in increased use, a sense of pride, and contributed to a greater sense of community in Otaki overall.
The Otaki Youth Events scheme is an example of how a community board can take one person's idea and transform it into a scheme that benefits thousands of people over time with numerous positive benefits.
Download the Otaki Community Board's Best Practice Award entry here.
