Youthtown gives young Kiwis a voice this Youth Week

Media Release 3 May 2013

Youthtown gives young Kiwis a voice this Youth Week

New Zealand’s largest youth charity Youthtown wants young Kiwis to speak up on the issues that matter most to them, through the second annual Voice of NZ Survey.

In conjunction with Youth Week, the 2013 Voice of NZ Survey has a positive emphasis on understanding young Kiwis’ relationships with family and friends, who they identify with and why, and what their plans are for the future.

In 2012 over 800 young people aged 13 to 18 candidly shared their views. This year Youthtown hopes the survey will extend its reach, with young Kiwis encouraged to go online to have their say from May 4 – 17.

Youthtown has once again commissioned specialist research company Point Research to develop this year’s survey, designed to follow the theme of Youth Week which is ‘live like a legend’.

Last year’s inaugural Voice of NZ Survey generated significant and impactful data from hundreds of young New Zealanders.

“The 2012 results were invaluable, giving us a unique insight into the minds of our youth and ensuring that we’re communicating with them in a way they understand,” Youthtown CEO Paula Kearns said.

“We discovered who they look up to and why, what’s important to them and the world they live in, where they see themselves in the future and much more.”

The survey data enables Youthtown to shape its nationwide programmes that support young peoples’ personal goals and aspirations.

“Last year’s survey also gave us the opportunity to work with other youth-focused stakeholders to share youth views,” Kearns said.

“We already have a huge amount of interest in this year’s survey from both young people wanting to have their voices heard and amongst key stakeholders.”

Prior to developing the questions Point Research used focus groups with young people and youth organisations to identify what data from last year’s survey requires further consideration and what new ground should be explored.

Key youth stakeholders included the Ministry of Youth Development, Auckland Council, Youthline, the Foundation of Youth Development, Rainbow Youth and Attitude (Parents Inc).

Point Research Principal Researcher, Alex Woodley, said the focus groups play a fundamental role in developing and shaping the survey. “From these we were also able to pin-point gaps and look into areas and issues that have become more prominent over the last year.”

“These early discussions indicate that we should be in for some truly revealing and insightful data in 2013,” Woodley adds.

Youth aged between 13 and 18 are encouraged to participate in the survey, which can be found at www.youthtown.org.nz. Registrations are open now.

Every person that completes the Voice of NZ Survey will go in the draw to win an iPad 3.

WHAT VOICE OF NZ SURVEY

WHERE Find the survey here http://www.youthtown.org.nz/voice-of-NZ-survey.html

WHEN Registrations open NOW
Online survey open from 4-17 May

ENDS

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