Winter Chill event series a success

The diverse ideas and creativity of greater Christchurch’s young people has made the Winter Chill event series a resounding success says Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority Chief Executive Roger Sutton.

Thousands of young people headed to music gigs, sports activities and art exhibitions, among other events, as part of Winter Chill. In total, more than 60 events took place all over greater Christchurch from 31 July to 2 November.

Winter Chill was a series of fun and exciting events and activities for and produced by young people aged 12-24. It was developed in response to findings from the 2013 Youth Wellbeing Survey which highlighted the need for safe and enjoyable places to go and things to do.

“What we have seen is creative young people producing events that have filled a need for young people to have fun stuff to do in greater Christchurch while really giving back to their communities,” says Mr Sutton.

“Some events were purely just for fun while others supported learning such as TEDxChristchurch or community work like Brighten Brighton which included tidying up spaces and painting murals in the area. The series also supported initiatives which will be on-going, for instance funding the first three exhibitions for a new art space North Projects which has a focus on promoting emerging young artists.”

“The Youth Wellbeing Survey told us that the loss of places to go and hang out with friends and play sport was really affecting young people. It was great to see the Ministry of Youth Development responding to this need in greater Christchurch and establishing the Canterbury Youth Initiatives Fund. Fletcher Building’s significant contribution helped make the Winter Chill event series happen while CERA supported groups to co-ordinate and promote the events.”

“Following on from the survey and Winter Chill, the Ministry of Youth Development is coordinating on-going discussion with the youth sector to consider what to do next to address the survey’s findings.”

The 2013 Youth Wellbeing Survey was led by CERA in consultation with youth and health organisations, as well as young people from the Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn youth councils. It was carried out from 23 September until 13 December 2013.

For more information on the events, see www.facebook.com/winterchillchch. For more details on the 2013 Youth Wellbeing Survey, see www.cera.govt.nz/youth-wellbeing-survey.

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