$30k for local youth emergency services

Emergency services during an exercise in Ahipara. Photo/file

Three local communities will receive $10,000 of government funding towards their Youth in Emergency Services programme.

The groups will receive funding of $10,000 each to deliver the Youth in Emergency Services (YES) programme in 2017, Acting Youth Minister Anne Tolley announced today.

The communities that will deliver the programme in 2017 are in Dargaville, Whangamata, Katikati, Maketu, Blenheim, Nelson, Murchison, Waimakariri and Hokitika.

Mrs Tolley said the programme aimed to foster an ongoing, sustainable relationship between young people and the volunteer emergency services.

"Young people involved get to build their knowledge and skills, and it's also a boost for communities which can sometimes find it difficult to attract emergency services volunteers," she said.

Up to 15 young people in each community would have the opportunity to take part.

Participants would spend the first phase of the programme familiarising themselves with the work of local participating emergency services, before undertaking a two-month volunteering opportunity with their chosen service.

"This is about growing the capabilities and confidence of young people, and at the same time reinforcing the preparedness and resilience of our communities," Mrs Tolley said.