Te Kuiti Youth Action Plan
Te Kuiti has been selected as a location for the trial of a new approach to social service delivery for young people (the Social Sector Trials).
The Social Sector Trials started in March 2011 and will be in place for two years in Kawerau, Tokoroa, Taumarunui, Levin, Gore and Te Kuiti.
Key elements of the Social Sector Trials
The Ministries of Social Development, Justice, Education and Health, and the New Zealand Police are working together to trial a change in the way social services are delivered.
The Social Sector Trials focus on improving outcomes for young people (aged 12–18). The outcomes the Social Sector Trials are seeking to achieve are:
- reducing truancy rates
- reducing offending by young people
- reducing young people’s use of alcohol and other drugs
- increasing the number of young people in education, training and employment
The aim is to support decision making at the local level, build on existing networks and strengthen coordination at every level of government and within the community.
Local Governance
A Te Kuiti Governance Group for the Social Sector Trial is in place. The Governance Group consists of local leaders that can influence young people or youth outcomes in our community.
The Social Sector Trials are an opportunity to positively influence how the government engages with communities on young people’s issues, and how community leaders engage with each other.
The development of the local Governance Group ensures that the Action Plan is developed by those who have an intimate knowledge, a vested interest and a passion for young people in Te Kuiti. This is critical to the success of the Te Kuiti Social Sector Trial.
The Te Kuiti Youth Action Governance Group meets monthly and is chaired by Mayor Brian Hanna. It is responsible for monitoring this Action Plan and providing strategic advice and support to Hilary Karaitiana, the Social Sector Youth Services Manager.
The local Governance Group is made up of:
- Mayor, Waitomo District Council (Chairperson)
- Principal, Te Kuiti High School
- General Manager, Ngati Maniapoto Maraepact Trust
- General Manager, Maniapoto Māori Trust Board
- Sergeant, NZ Police, Te Kuiti
- Coordinator, Te Kuiti Community House
- Pastor, Journey Church Director, Services Academy
- Youth representative, Rangatahi Leadership Programme (Mayors Taskforce for Jobs)
- Social Sector Youth Services Manager