Media release - 18 May 2010
Are you the next Peter Jackson?
Aspiring film makers ready to see their work on the big screen are being encouraged to enter Youthtown’s annual Short Film Challenge.
Now in its seventh year, the Youthtown Short Film Challenge gives budding film makers, actors and actresses between 13 – 18-years-old a chance to showcase their production talents. Entries are judged by a panel of industry experts and screened at the Academy Cinema in August.
Prizes:
- 1st – $2000 Harvey Norman vouchers
- 2nd – $500 Harvey Norman vouchers
- Best Director – an Introduction to Television Production Course (provided by South Seas Film, Television & Animation School)
Entries close Friday, 23 July 2010. To register, head to www.urbanunity.co.nz or contact Dionne at Youthtown on (09) 379 5430 ext 806. For more information, text “shortfilm” with your name and address to 4040.
To learn more about Youthtown and its programmes, visit www.youthtown.org.nz.
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Media release - 25 March 2010
Youthtown opens new North Shore branch
Youthtown will open the doors of its new North Shore centre next Tuesday.
Designed to provide young people with opportunities for fun physical, social and creative experiences, Youthtown’s new North Shore centre will provide local kids and teenagers with an exciting hub.
Located next to the North Shore Events Centre in Wairau Valley, branch manager Sarah Guy is excited about what the new facility will enable Youthtown to offer local youths.
“We’re no longer just a holiday programme provider for North Shore kids like we have been for the past three years,” she says. “This new centre allows us to offer an after school programme, weekend activities, youth events and specialist clubs.”
Although the after school and holiday programmes will operate directly out of the new centre, Ms Guy says Youthtown North Shore will work to run programmes with local businesses and service providers also.
“The centre will be primarily used as a base, however we have no walls. Our aim is to offer lots of activities across all sorts of local venues,” she says. “We don’t want bored kids – it’s their time and we want to make it great!”
“What sets Youthtown apart from our competitors is the fact we’re youth-led. We talk to kids, find out what they want then develop our programmes around their needs and interests,” says Ms Guy.
To celebrate the launch of Youthtown North Shore, an afternoon of exciting activities will be run for anyone keen to stop by and see the new branch in action next Tuesday 30 March from 3.00pm onwards.
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Media release - 11 February 2010
Shore to Shore announces new sponsor
The North Shore’s largest community fun run will pound the pavement with a new naming rights sponsor this year.
Leading youth organisation Youthtown has officially signed on as naming rights sponsor of the 25th Annual Youthtown Shore to Shore.
Executive director of Youthtown Keith Thorpe says the event is a great fit for the organisation. “Our aim is to provide young people with opportunities for enriching physical, social and creative experiences to help build their confidence and self-esteem. The Youthtown Shore to Shore ticks all the boxes,” he says.
Mr Thorpe says the organisation is excited about having a stronger presence on the North Shore, with a branch launching in Glenfield at the end of March.
“Our new facility will provide young people with a space to learn and grow.
“We’re looking forward to introducing ourselves to the local community at the Youthtown Shore to Shore – it will be a great chance to let people know who we are and what we do.”
The 2010 Youthtown Shore to Shore takes place on Sunday, 28 March. The run begins at 9am from Takapuna Grammar School and will finish at Milford Beach Reserve. With competitions, mini events and spot prizes to be won along the way, walkers and runners will have lots to enjoy and take in.
All proceeds from the Youthtown Shore to Shore will be given back to local schools as grants to purchase sports equipment.
The Youthtown Shore to Shore is proud to be associated with Harbour Sport, North Shore City Council, Sports Distributors, Classic Hits 97.4FM, LG, Beachside health and fitness, adidas and Williment Tours.
For more information, visit www.harboursport.co.nz
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Media release - 15 December 2009
Free summer holiday programmes at Youthtown
Almost 1000 extra young Aucklanders will experience fun and adventure with Youthtown these summer holidays, thanks to the Government’s Break-Away funding initiative.
The funding means 950 children and teenagers between 11 and 17 can register and take part in Youthtown’s January and April 2010 holiday programmes at no cost.
The programmes, divided into 11-13 and 14-17 age groups, will run from January 11-29 and involve a lot of outdoor activity.
Sian Neary, programme director for Youthtown, says the Break-Away funding will allow Youthtown to engage with young people than ever before.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for Auckland youths to get active, meet new friends, learn new skills and really enjoy summer – something they may not have the opportunity to do otherwise,” she says.
“The 11-13 programme will be run in-house and will focus on encouraging children to get active and creative,” says Ms Neary. “The 14-17 programme will be outdoor-adventure focused, with teenagers getting the chance to try things such as archery, sailing, raft building, bush craft and kayaking.”
The holiday programmes are available to all Auckland young people, and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Ms Neary says young people who are interested in the holiday programmes, or their parents, should contact Youthtown to register.
“We’re renowned for running fun, high-quality, OSCAR-recognised programmes in a safe and nurturing environment. We want as many young people to benefit from this scheme as possible,” she says.
To register yourself or your child, contact Youthtown head office (09) 379 5430.
For more information about Youthtown and its programmes, visit www.youthtown.org.nz
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Media release - 14 October 2009
Youthtown to help kids learn to swim
Hundreds of Kiwi school children will be safer in and around the water this summer thanks to Youthtown.
Funding from Youthtown will allow students from schools in Hamilton, Taupo, Christchurch, Greymouth and the Waitaki District to undergo a Learn to Swim programme during the lead-up to the holiday season.
Shirley Primary School in Christchurch is one of the schools set to benefit from the funding. Principal Geoff Siave says the programme is a much needed initiative.
“It’s really shocking the number of children coming through who can’t swim or lack confidence in the water,” he says.
“Last year I offered rewards to students who could swim 200m in our school pool. Virtually no one could do it.”
Alan Reid, national projects manager for Youthtown, says the Learn to Swim funding is a pilot scheme he hopes to see grow and strengthen moving forward.
“Even though we’re a country surrounded by beaches and waterways, only a handful of kids in New Zealand really know how to swim.
“Programmes like this will help rectify that,” he says.
Mr Reid says the programme will focus on entry-level swimming and water safety skills.
“At the end of the programme, the goal is for participants to feel comfortable around the water and know what to do if they ever find themselves in trouble,” he says.
Mr Siave says there a number of causes contributing to the large number of school children unable to swim.
“I believe the increasing closure of school pools around New Zealand is a real problem,” he says.
“Another cause could be that teachers are no longer taught how to teach swimming when they’re undergoing their training.”
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Media release - 14 July 2009
Youthtown almost here!
Greymouth teenagers will have plenty to do once Youthtown arrives in August.
Designed to provide young people with opportunities for fun physical, social and creative experiences, Youthtown Greymouth will be an exciting hub for local teenagers once it’s officially up and running.
Youth coordinator for Youthtown Greymouth Tina Mason believes all young people can benefit from getting involved with Youthtown and its programmes.
“There’s a real need for Youthtown in Greymouth,” says Mason. “I believe many young people struggle to be creative and achieve their goals in arts and sports because support networks are limited in small communities like ours.”
“The activities, workshops and programmes we’ll offer will be fun and engaging – I’m confident there will be something for everyone.”
Youthtown Greymouth will run programmes by working alongside existing entertainment and leisure providers.
“Once Youthtown Greymouth is established, we will work to source our own premises,” says Mason. “Until then we will make use of the great local facilities already on offer.”
With branches already operating in Auckland, Upper Hutt and Taupo, Greymouth is Youthtown’s newest location.
To celebrate the upcoming arrival of Youthtown Greymouth, popular New Zealand hip hop group Nesian Mystik will perform at the Regent Theatre, Friday 17th July.
Band members Notiq, Junz, Awa and Dmon will also take time to share their industry knowledge and skills the by hosting a number of exclusive workshops covering areas such as DJ skills, dance, radio presenting and music recording.
For more information about the workshops or to learn more about Youthtown, head to www.youthtown.org.nz
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Media release - 09 June 2009
Hit the slopes with Youthtown!
Whether you’re a pro in the snow or have never set foot in it, Youthtown’s ski and snowboard camps will make your winter even cooler this winter!
Youthtown’s winter camps have been running for over 20 years now and are always a calendar highlight says Brian Walsh, Outdoor Coordinator for Youthtown.
“Kids love the sense of adventure, the social aspect of being away with friends for a week and being able to learn new skills on and off the ski field,” he says.
“The feedback from those who attend is always really positive.”
Led by a team of trained outdoor instructors, including ex-Olympic skier Ben Nanasca, each camp is equipped to ensure each participant experiences skiing and snow boarding in a fun and safe environment.
“Our camps cater for all abilities so it doesn’t matter how confident you are or what your skill level is, there’s something for everyone,” says Mr Walsh.
To ensure camps are action-packed and never faced with a dull moment, activities such as mountain biking, caving, rock climbing and visits to the hot pools are all on offer if Mt Ruapehu’s ski field is ever closed.
Camps operate in two age groups (seven – 12-years and 13 – 17-years) with limited places in each.
The camps are five days each and are scheduled to run over the upcoming July, September and October school holidays.
The camp fee includes accommodation, transport, ski boots & poles, snowboard & boots, lift passes, ski & snowboarding instruction and food. At just $520 per camper, the cost is excellent value for money.
Camp scholarships (which cover the full camp cost) are also available.
“You can apply for camp scholarships by getting a person such as a school teacher, youth group leader, church leader, community leader or sports coach to nominate you. Scholarship criteria and application forms can be downloaded from the Youthtown website,” says Mr Jennings.
For more information about the camps or to learn more about the scholarship application process, visit www.youthtown.org.nz or call Brian Walsh on 09 3795430.
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Media release - 22 May 2009
Youthtown comes to our town!
Young people can no longer complain that there’s nothing to do now Youthtown has arrived in Taupo.
Designed to provide young people with opportunities for fun physical, social and creative experiences, Youthtown Taupo will be an exciting hub for local teenagers once it’s opened next Friday.
Youthtown Taupo branch manager Dion Brown believes all young people can benefit from getting involved with Youthtown and its Urban Unity programmes.
“Urban Unity programmes are run in a smoke, alcohol and drug-free environment where 13 – 18-year-olds can learn new skills, make great friends, have fun and grow in a safe environment,” he says.
Although many people have heard of Youthtown, Mr Brown wants the community to understand how the facility operates before it opens.
“Despite what some may think, Youthtown is not a drop-in centre. We offer a range of programmes and events we hope young people will get involved with and subscribe to. Programmes will be developed with the young people of Taupo and will be for all youth.”
With branches already operating in Auckland and Upper Hutt, Taupo is the latest location to welcome Youthtown.
Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper says the Youthtown branch will be an exciting addition to the Taupo scene.
“To have the opportunities Youthtown can offer is fantastic for our local community – especially Taupo’s young people.”
To celebrate the launch of Youthtown’s arrival, a stack of exciting activities will be on offer for anyone and everyone keen to stop by and check out the new branch.
Youthtown will officially be welcomed to Taupo with an opening ceremony [and Maori blessing] set to take place at 2.30pm next Friday, May 29.
Following the centre opening, a three-on-three street ball tournament will run from 3pm with the help of local premier basketball team, the Taupo Volcanoes.
From the street to the stage, launch celebrations will continue with well-known hip hop acts Ill Semantics, DJ CXL and J. Williams performing at the Taupo Events Centre from 5pm.
Those with creative flair will have the chance to channel their inner-artist by helping create a signature piece of art which will hang in the entrance of Youthtown.
The artwork, which will represent Taupo’s environment and community, will be constructed out of tiles decorated with natural resources collected from around the area. The tiles will then be pieced together to form three unique panels
An art station for people to work at will run and be set-up throughout launch weekend. Anyone (no matter how young or old) is invited to help make their mark on what is sure to be a real masterpiece.
For more information or to learn more about Youthtown, head to www.youthtown.org.nz
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Media release - 21 May 2009
Are you ready to Disrupt the Floor?
Calling all teenagers who love hip hop! Youthtown Panmure is ready to Disrupt the Floor.
Run as part of Youthtown’s Urban Unity programme, Disrupt the Floor offers young people the chance to watch and learn from some of the country’s best hip hop dancers
In association with the Auckland City Council and Flava 96.1FM, Youthtown Panmure is celebrating its 2009 Disrupt the Floor class line-up with an official launch party on Wednesday 27 May, 6.30pm – 8pm.
Hosted by Pete da Palagi and with performances by DJ Manchoo and world hip hop champs SWEET & SOUR, the party will showcase some of New Zealand’s finest hip hop talent.
Whether you’re keen to learn how to pop and lock or jam and break, Disrupt the Floor is held at Youthtown Panmure every Wednesday evening from 6pm – 8pm.
To learn more about Disrupt the Floor or the other programmes Youthtown Panmure has on offer, head to www.youthtown.org.nz or call 09 527 2461.
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