Youth forum billed by all as an outstanding success

Last week about 80 secondary school students from the Rangitikei District were involved in the inaugural Rangitikei Youth Leadership Forum.

Funded by the Ministry of Youth Development, the forum was contracted to the Bulls and District Community Trust and led by trust representative Bronwyn Meads.

"It was a forum pulled together by students ... run by youth for the youth."

Ms Meads said the day was amazing and "our youth were inspired, motivated, entertained, educated and given hope by the speakers, who shared their own life journeys."

Speakers included comedian Ewen Gilmour, Ngaa Puumanawawhiti of the documentary Maori Boy Genius, singer/guitarist Billy TK Junior and singer Vicki Crawford.

Many of the students involved had taken on key roles in ensuring the day was a huge success.

"The students were so supportive of one another, there was no putting down of anyone, they were there for a reason, and it was evident that they embraced this event."

Of the 62 evaluation forms completed, what showed most clearly was that most students wanted to know how to manage their money, tips on public speaking, that setting goals was vital, and how to self-motivate, she said.

The forum was such a success it will be held on an annual basis, she said.

"It is very important to connect youth, for them to feel important, be heard, and accepted as an important part of the future, and that they have worth."

Rangitikei District Mayor Chalky Leary said he was extremely pleased he had gone along to the Youth Forum.

"It was impressive. We have some fantastic young people in the Rangitikei. I was very proud."