Christchurch opinion —I.Y.Y. ‘was a wasted opportunity’

Press, 15 January 1986, Page 12

Christchurch opinion —I.Y.Y. ‘was a wasted opportunity’

Lady Hay is Mayoress of Christchurch and convener of the Association of Canterbury Youth Groups. She was not particularly surprised about the results of our brief survey on International Youth Year.

From the public’s point of view the year was probably a wasted opportunity, she considers.

Lady Hay was disappointed that both the National Youth Council, which was designated to be the lead body for 1.Y.Y., and the steering committee set up in Christchurch in 1983, did not have higher profiles. Both groups needed to be more assertive to make people aware that it was 1.Y.Y., but neither seemed to understand about publicity, and how to promote activities. That had a detrimental effect on the year’s success, she says.

On the positive side, she points to the setting-up of the Christchurch Youth Centre, which grew out of an idea from the secondary schools’ youth council. “I.Y.Y. gave that project

an emphasis, and therefore support which may otherwise have been much slower in coming. “From the position of the Government, and maybe local government, there has also been an increased awareness of youth issues. Hopefully, what has started will not stop now that the year is over,” she adds.

Other positive aspects include the forming of an under-25 committee by the Association of Canterbury Youth Groups, “The Press” youth column, forum, and finally the establishment of a Canterbury Regional Youth Council.

Lady Hay believes the youth council may be the major step forward for the year. She hopes it will take advantage of the Christchurch City Council’s offer of clerical support.