Source: Auckland Council
The Henderson-Massey Local board is helping young people soar following the news that Raise Up Massey, the YMCA youth development programme, is to co-deliver the popular Come Fly a Kite event this year.
It is the first time that a community group will have led the event in Harbourview-Orangihina Park, which regularly attracts thousands of attendees. The group is responsible for creative programming and community engagement, while council remains responsible for permits, Health and Safety, production and operational planning.
Incredible chance
Raise Up Massey Youth Programme Coordinator Conin Bowker says the opportunity to take a bigger role in the event is an incredible chance for their volunteers.
“We have been involved at council events in various forms for the last few years, and we approached the council to see if they would be willing to allow us to get more involved in the development of their events as part of our Youth Development Programme.
“Raise Up sees up to 20 young people from local high schools come together on a weekly basis to korero, plan, design and deliver events and workshops for other young people and their families in the Henderson-Massey area.
“Throughout the year the students in the Raise Up crew learn valuable real-life skills such as communication, team-work, conflict resolution, time management, marketing, event management, facilitation and above all, leadership.
“This is a great opportunity for our young people to take real ownership of the event and deliver it for their community. Everyone knows how popular an event Come Fly a kite is and they are working incredibly hard to make sure it continues to be enjoyed by everyone.”
Community value
Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Chris Carter says this kind of partnership demonstrates the value of council and community working side-by-side.
“We are thrilled that we have been able to provide this opportunity for the young people at Raise Up Massey”, he says.
“Delivering this event will provide the young people involved with the opportunity to take ownership and pride in a huge community event, and everyone will benefit from the partnership.
“The community benefits, the council benefits, and the young people benefit. We are really excited to see them deliver the event and look forward to more collaborative working going forward.”
Come Fly a Kite 2020 takes place on 22 March 2020 from 11am -3pm at Harbourview-Orangihina Park, Te Atatu Peninsula.
