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Tuesday May 12, 2009 Youth unemployment on the rise
The latest unemployment figures show nearly one in five young New Zealanders under 20 is unemployed.
The Household Labour Force Survey released last week shows the unemployment rate for those aged 15-19 years has risen from 17.9 per cent to 19.6 per cent. A total of 32,900 people in that age group are now unemployed. The number unemployed in the 20-24 age group has also risen dramatically, from 7.3 per cent to 12 per cent, with an extra 10,300 of this group now unemployed.
Last month Youth Affairs Minister Paula Bennett said it was her personal goal to 'remember those young people who aren't in the headlines'. Unfortunately the Government has to date chosen instead to focus on the 'worst 1,000 youth offenders'.
The Job Summit neglected young people, yet it is widely acknowledged that stimulating employment opportunities for youth should be a top priority, particularly those in disadvantaged communities. We will continue to call for more action in this area, and for the Government to get its priorities right when it comes to young people.
Back to top Boot camps to be trialled
Boot camps will be trialled before the end of the year, according to the Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett, despite there being no evidence to suggest that they will work.
The Government's 'boot camps' for young offenders are currently being scrutinised by the Social Services Select Committee. Submissions from those working in the sector suggest there is almost no support for the military style training programmes, which form a key part of the Government's youth justice policy.
The Government's total youth justice package will come at a cost of $35 million. A huge amount could be done in the area of youth justice with a spend of this magnitude, particularly in the area of early intervention. We will continue to hold the Government to account on this policy as it progresses through the Select Committee and will send out future updates on other aspects of the bill.
Back to top Fighting Respiratory illness in NZ: Red Balloon Day
Last Saturday was Red Balloon Day, which is part of the Asthma Foundation's campaign to increase the awareness and research into respiratory illness.
Many of us will know someone who suffers from Asthma or respiratory illness. And no wonder. About 1 in 4 Kiwi kids has asthma, and it is the most common reason for the hospitalisation of our children and young people in Aotearoa.
Labour has launched a campaign for warm dry homes in New Zealand, which would go a long way to reducing these statistics and improving the health and well being of Kiwis, and in particular, our young people. To read more about this campaign visit http://www.healthyhomeshealthykiwis.org.nz/
Back to top Youth Parliament: Sharing the NZ experience
Over the Easter break I had the opportunity to assist Niue as they prepare for their first Youth Assembly. I helped with workshops on youth parliament in New Zealand, and other mechanisms we use to encourage youth participation. It reminded me of how much more we can do here in New Zealand.
The New Zealand Youth Parliament will be held next year and planning for the event has already started. I look forward to being part of the parliamentary planning team for this great event!
Back to top On a positive note
I recently had the opportunity to meet with delegates from the United Nations Youth Association of New Zealand, who came together to develop the Youth Declaration 09. The declaration was presented to MPs, and covers a range of topics from youth empowerment, right through to trade, poverty and health. It was great to meet some of the delegates, and to discuss their ideas on youth participation in particular. I recommend taking a look at the full declaration which can be found at : http://www.unyanz.co.nz/Regional/Auckland/YouthDeclaration2009.aspx
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