Mangkakino Area School Prizegiving
Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Youth Affairs
Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta's speech at Mangakino Area School Prizegiving, Karamu Street, Mangakakino on
Tuesday 11 December 2007, 1pm
Introduction
I would like to acknowledge Lorraine Lash from 'Duffy Books in Homes', Pam Wilson, Chair of Mangakino Community Agency,
Rangi Parker, Chair of Rumaki Reo Whanau, Principal Bill Millward, and Staff and most importantly to you, the students.
Thank you for this opportunity to join you on this very special day.
In particular I would like to thank Ethan Tupaea and Monita Nand for their leadership roles in the school and for their
help during this prize giving ceremony.
Mangakino
Mangakino may seem a small place, but to all of you it's the place you call home. As Minister of Youth Affairs, I have a
vision for a country where young people are vibrant and optimistic through being supported and encouraged to take up
challenges. Where young people feel positive and connected to their families, whanau and friends, and to their schools,
workplace and communities.
By the presence of your friends and whanau here today, by your pride in Te Reo and through all the awards that local
people and businesses have sponsored, I can see that young people are truly valued part of this community.
Te Reo
It is clear, that here in Mangakino you value your unique community culture. "E kore e ngaro he kakano i ruia mai i
Rangiatea." Translated it means: "The seed that is sown from Rangiatea shall never be lost."
Through the Rumaki Reo Unit and the outstanding Te Reo qualifications, I hear some students as young as Year Eight are
engaged in, and successfully obtaining, a Year 11 NCEA level 1 qualification in Te Reo. I feel confident that the seeds
sown here, in Mangakino, won't ever be lost.
The Mangakino Area school staff and community are to be commended on the progress that has occurred within the school
over the past two years. I note from the ERO report that there were some challenges to overcome and that your Principal
Mr Millward is particularly proud of how the staff and students of the school have shown commitment and courage towards
building a school that makes a difference to its children's futures.
The Youth Development Strategy
The Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa emphasises the importance of viewing the whole person, considering the big
picture, and taking into account a young person's family, community, education and spirituality.
For many people, youth is a time when our personal identity, attitudes and values are formed. It's a time we gain an
awareness of the different messages around us. This is why it is so important to have good, positive images about young
people. We want young people growing up in a society where they feel personally valued and connected with a supportive
wider community.
ID360 Short Film Competition
I'm pleased to tell you about a great opportunity that the Ministry of Youth Development has for you to participate in.
The ID360 Short Film competition opened yesterday and it is a chance for you to tell your stories and let Aotearoa know
what identity and diversity means to you here in Mangakino. There is over $10,000 worth of prizes on offer and entry is
free.
You can enter in teams or individually and you don't even have to have a flash video camera or be a movie director to
enter. The winning films will on the Internet in March and you will be able to vote for the People's Choice Award.
Over the next ten weeks I encourage you to consider making a short film about what it means to be You, a young person
from Aotearoa/New Zealand. Everyone has an identity. It could be your family, your culture, your favourite sport or
pastime that gives meaning to your life. So make sure you check out the website, www.id360.govt.nz pick up a camera and
get filming!'
I look forward to hearing your voices later today in your Kapa Haka performance and to see the Maori language in action.
The importance of parents in education
Parents, you have a big job raising children and living with teenagers, and I encourage you to do all you can to support
your children's' development.
The Ministry of Education Te Kotahitanga Project and the Staying at School Reports reinforce the evidence that students
staying through to Year 13 and completing a minimum of NCEA level 2 greatly increases a young person's ability to
transition on to a successful adulthood.
Two current Ministry of Education examples of the importance placed on parents are Team-Up and Te Mana.
Team-Up, a programme for parents, is a good example of providing advice to parents and whanau on how they can support
their children in their learning.
This advice includes:
.Attending parent-teacher interviews
.Setting good homework routines
.Expecting attendance and knowing where to go to get help.
.You can also sign up to receive the cool magazines that you see promoted by Tana Umaga on television.
Te Mana celebrates examples of Maori achievement with the messages that Maori can achieve - Maori do achieve. If you
want to know more about Te Mana, then go to the website and get all the tips for studying, scholarships and how to be
smart with your money so you can get ahead in life.
Conclusion
It's almost the start of the holidays and so take time to enjoy whanau, be active and healthy - a little less of the
pavlova and a little more fruit and salad this Christmas and keep safe on our roads and in the water as we head into
2008.
Thank you for the opportunity to both speak and listen today. I feel privileged to have been involved in the way that I
have been.
You are a unique community with a spirit and energy that will keep things moving for the young people in Mangakino. I
encourage you to build quality relationships with your children and young people, to encourage their participation at
all levels and to take up the challenge to continue to build the achievements in your school. I also encourage you to
keep young people close, as decisions are being made and to view your children and young people as able partners in
building solutions.
Kia Kaha, Kia Maia, Kia Manawanui!
ENDS