Getting children and young people on the political agenda

29th October 2011

Getting children and young people on the political agenda

Now the Rugby World Cup is over it’s time to start talking about the real issues facing our community in the upcoming election, says Whangarei Child Poverty Action group spokesperson Liz Moore.

“Politicians are well aware of the issues facing our children, young people and families, and we want them to front up to our community with some solutions” says Ms Moore.

Whangarei Child Poverty Action Group, supported by Manaia Health PHO, is holding an election forum to discuss child and youth issues next Thursday 3rd November, 7pm at Manaia Health PHO. Candidates in the Whangarei general electorate Phil Heatley (National), Pat Newman (Labour) and Rick Bazeley (Greens) are attending, along with Te Tai Tokerau Maori electorate candidates Hone Harawira (Mana), Waihoroi Shortland (Maori party) and Kelvin Davis (Labour).

Each candidate will speak about the issues they see facing children and young people and what they propose to do about them Following this, a community panel representing youth, health, education, housing and disability issues will comment. The forum will conclude with time for questions from the public.

The evening will be hosted by local lawyer and television personality, Rob Harte.

“Our community knows we have children going to school hungry, we know our babies end up in hospital with preventable illnesses, we know emergency housing is overflowing, we know our young people are desperate for employment, and we’ve had enough. So we want answers from our politicians – what are they going to do for those in our community who are most precious? What are they going to do for our babies, children and young people?”

ENDS

© Scoop Media