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Phoebe presenting her submission

Rodney District Councillors gained a greater insight into youth concerns when 9 year old Phoebe Millwood presented a submission to Draft Annual Plan on Friday 25 May.

“We have been involved in many youth initiatives at Rodney including our 4uth strategy designed to get young people more involved in council business. This is a great example of the strategy coming to life in an eloquent submission by a 9 year old to our draft Annual Plan,” said Mayor John Law. “It’s fantastic,” he added.

Phoebe Miller’s submission began “I am here to speak for the trees, for the trees can’t speak” and covered greater protection for the environment, the need for more cycle and walkways and encouraging people not to use motor vehicles. The submission ended “Our future is in your hands”.

“Phoebe’s submission was very well received by Council and I commend her courage. Presenting a submission in Council Chambers to a room full of people is no easy task, especially when you’re 9. It is the type of courage we need from our future leaders to ensure Rodney District remains a great place to live,” said the Mayor.

Phoebes submission, along with 452 submissions from across the district will be the focus of Council deliberations on 29, 30, 31 May and 6 June before adopting the Plan on 28 June.

ENDS

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