Youth voices heard

Christchurch youth have walked away from an informal gathering with Mayor Lianne Dalziel and City Councillors feeling their voices were heard.

About two dozen youth from a variety of backgrounds met with the elected Council on Monday night to give their feedback on the Council's Draft Annual Plan.

Josiah Tualamali'I, Chair of the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Council, said it had been great to have the opportunity to meet informally with the Councillors and talk about the issues Christchurch was facing.

"We've not really had the chance to do that before. The Councillors were really interested in what we had to say, asked the right questions, and were very present,'' Josiah said.

"It was a lot of fun and all of us went away feeling like we had been heard.''

Monday's gathering was one of a series of events the Council has held over the past few weeks to get feedback from the public on its budget and work programme.

The final event will be held on Saturday afternoon in the Council Chambers. During an Open Mic session people will have the chance to address the Mayor Dalziel and the Councillors for up to five minutes.

People wishing to take part in the session need to turn up at the Council Chambers, in the Civic Offices in Hereford St, at 1pm on Saturday. They should let staff know when they arrive they wish to speak and they will be allocated the next available time slot.