Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Youth Affairs
1 November 2006 Media Statement
Conference a chance for positive focus on youth
Hundreds of key players from New Zealand's youth development sector will come together today to discuss ways to work
more closely together and promote positive engagement with young people.
Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will deliver the keynote opening address at the Involve 2006 Conference, starting
today at Lincoln University, near Christchurch. Around 500 people, including youth health and development providers,
practitioners, clinicians, researchers, policy-makers, educators, youth workers, social workers, peer support workers
and others are expected to attend.
"Involve is a fantastic opportunity for all those who work with young people and who are passionate about youth health
and development to come together, share ideas, and discuss ways in which the government and the sector can work more
effectively together to promote the best interests of young people," Nanaia Mahuta said.
"Given the increasing cultural diversity of our youth population, recognising and affirming this identity is a critical
aspect to positive youth development. The conference presents an excellent opportunity to inform further thinking in
this area."
The two-day conference will also feature a top line-up of overseas guest speakers, including Tom Wylie, CEO of the UK
National Youth Agency; Deborah Christie, renowned international teacher, trainer and youth motivator, also from the UK;
and Michelle Dagnino, Canadian author, speaker and youth advocate.
"The youth development sector provides an incredibly diverse and essential range of services and initiatives for young
people, and is a key factor in positively influencing the lives of young New Zealanders. I look forward to hearing more
over the course of the conference about how we can continue to help build the sector so that we can support our young
people to be the best they can be."
Improving and promoting youth health, strengthening and supporting youth workers, and working collaboratively with and
across the youth development sector were key areas the Labour-led government was focused on to improve the lives of New
Zealand's young people, Nanaia Mahuta said.
"The conference theme is 'creativity, diversity and connection', and recognises the fact that the youth development
sector is made up of an incredibly dedicated, passionate and talented mix of people, all of whom bring unique skills and
experiences to their work with young people."
For more information go to: http://www.involve.org.nz/
ENDS