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Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Executive Director Aaron Hape has today announced the appointment of Sir Anand Satyanand as Patron of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand. “Sir Anand has a deep knowledge of the workings of the Commonwealth and has a genuine appreciation of the diverse groups and communities that make New Zealand and the Commonwealth vibrant and inclusive,” said Mr Hape. “As the former Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation, Sir Anand will bring many personal strengths with him to the role of Patron. Throughout his extensive career in the law and as New Zealand’s Governor-General, Sir Anand has reinforced his support of the Commonwealth and its values. I thank Sir Anand for his eagerness to accept my invitation to become CYNZ's Patron.” Sir Anand is a former lawyer, judge and ombudsman. He was New Zealand’s 19th Governor-General between 2006 and 2011, and was Chair of the Commonwealth Foundation between 2013 and 2016. He has taken a close and supportive interest in CYNZ in its first three years of operation and was the keynote speaker at CYNZ's foundation meeting in 2014. Sir Anand has been appointed for a term of three years. ENDS
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Executive Director Aaron Hape today congratulated Maniototo Area School student Ashleigh Smith on being named as New Zealand's Queen's Young Leader award winner for 2017. "I am absolutely thrilled to see the amazing work that Ashleigh has led nationally and internationally to fight cyber bullying has been rightly recognised by the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty The Queen," said Mr Hape, who is also a former member of the panel that selects Queen's Young Leader award winners. "I also congratulate CYNZ members Alex Bengree and Loren Shudder-Hill on being named as Runners Up. "Through their respective work, Ashleigh, Alex, and Loren represent the best of Kiwi compassion, kindness, and hard work. I am sure that anyone who reads about their journeys will be inspired by their passion," said Mr Hape. Ashleigh the is co-leader and vice chair of the board for Sticks n Stones (SnS), an organisation that focuses on positive action to avert the risk of cyber-bullying and aggressive online behaviour. She is also chair of her local SnS division, where she organises and hosts events for both young people and parents about online life and social media. In addition, she mentors young people in schools throughout Central Otago and Dunedin, helping students to run workshops about bullying and mental health. Ashleigh is currently working with the Government to help inform their policy-making on bullying and social media. SnS now has 300 young volunteers, and Ashleigh hopes to be able to expand the initiative to every school in New Zealand. She is also studying to become a nurse, and plans to use her future career as an ongoing platform through which to raise awareness of bullying, suicide and mental health. Ashleigh is also a member of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand, and participated in the 2015 National Student CHOGM Programme. Winners of this prestigious Award receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the United Kingdom during which they will be conferred with their Award by The Queen. With this support, Award winners will be expected to continue and develop the amazing work they are already doing in their communities. Previous winners of a Queen's Young Leaders award include Tabby Besley (2015) and Brad Olsen (2016). Tabby founded InsideOUT, which aims to make schools more inclusive places for young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Brad, who is also CYNZ's Deputy Executive Director, received his award for his advocacy of children's and young peoples right, and for services to health and education. ENDS PR: Young Kiwi leaders to make our cities more inclusive and safe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Four young kiwis will travel to Singapore this weekend to undertake an intensive Commonwealth-focused leadership programme and develop their ability to cross divides and thrive in multiple cultures Marek Townley, Anna Prestidge, Isobel Pepper, and La Rochelle Morgan have been selected to attend 33Sixty in Singapore and will spend one week seeking solutions to the challenge posed by the Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, QC, “What can our generation of the Commonwealth do now to make our cities more inclusive and safe in 2030?” 33Sixty, delivered by leadership development experts Common Purpose, provides a framework in which participants can tackle challenges of fundamental importance to the Commonwealth. "As an alumnus of 33Fifty, the predecessor to 33Sixty, I know that these four outstanding leaders will develop their own personal leadership styles as well as make amazing connections from around the world", said Aaron Hape, Commonwealth Youth New Zealand's Executive Director. "Participants of this programme have gone on to do amazing things and many have been successful in ensuring their local communities are benefiting from those skills they learnt in this programme" Participants will explore the challenge through in-depth conversations with talented leaders from all sectors and behind-the-scenes visits to a range of incredible organisations to give them a cutting-edge insight into the challenge. On the final day of the programme, participants will present their responses to the challenge to a panel of senior industry leaders. For more information, visit the 33Sixty website. ENDS Participant contact details can be released on request. Participant biographies La Rochelle Morgan (Wellington) La Rochelle is a third year student at Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) studying a Bachelor of Laws alongside a Bachelor of Arts. She has always had a strong passion for closing the gaps for the less fortunate and ensuring vulnerable children are safe. In addition to being a Pasifika Student Ambassador at Victoria University this year, she is also part of the Directors Team for Kids Camp New Zealand. She is of Maori, Samoan and Irish descent, and hailing from Ngai Tāmanuhiri and Ngāti Porou and the villages Magiagi and Sapapali’i. Marek Townley (Auckland) Marek Townley is studying towards a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Victoria University of Wellington. He works part-time for the Office of the Clerk as a Chamber Officer at the New Zealand Parliament. Marek has extensive experience in youth engagement and civic affairs, and recently co-founded Active Citizenship Aotearoa, an organisation working to empower, engage and educate young people to become active citizens. Isobel Pepper (Wellington) Isobel is a second year Law and Accounting student at Victoria University of Wellington. She is an executive member of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand, and has recently organized an event for CYNZ addressing gender inequality and leadership opportunities for women. Isobel has been passionate about gender inequality since 2013 when she was selected to represent Australasian Girls' Schools at the National Coalition of Girls School Conference in Dallas, Texas. Isobel is also a mentor for the youth leadership organisation yLead, and works part-time for a Wellington investment banker. Anna Prestidge (Wellington) Anna is Laws and Arts student majoring in International Relations and minoring in Philosophy. She has enjoyed an array of academic successes over the years, including Victoria University’s Vice Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship. Aside from her academic achievements, Anna is a keen leader in the community. She is currently a Residential Advisor at one of the university halls where she facilitates student well-being and community growth, and is a volunteer Rights Presenter for Community Law. She additionally is a keen classical singer. Anna is thrilled to be attending 33Sixty Singapore as she is highly interested in security studies and community building. She hopes this experience will help draw connections and expand her theoretical knowledge of creating safety and inclusiveness and her practical experience of applying such ideas in everyday life. Saturday, 15 October 2015
PR: CYNZ concerned by Maldives decision to leave The Commonwealth FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Commonwealth Youth New Zealand today expressed concern with the decision made by the Government of Maldives to withdraw from The Commonwealth. The country’s government, which has been fending off rumours of an impending coup and allegations of money laundering, said the decision on Thursday to cancel its membership was “difficult but inevitable”. Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Executive Director, Aaron Hape, said "In September, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) gave the Government of Maldives six months to address concerns including the detention and prosecution of opposition leaders, meddling with the judiciary and undermining democratic institutions. "It is sad to see that the Government of Maldives has reacted with a show of force rather than take steps to rectify these very serious issues with the rule of law and transparency - this is a capitulation of its duty to uphold and champion good governance," said Mr Hape. “This is also a huge setback to civil society and the democracy movement. As noted in the final report from the Commonwealth Observer Group for the 2013 Presidential Elections, some national institutions have raised real concerns over the credibility and transparency of government and civic engagement - issues that the Commonwealth has and can offer technical assistance to alleviate and will now most likely cease given the withdrawal of membership. "I echo the Commonwealth Secrety-General's desire to see the Maldives rejoin the Commonwealth family very soon and hope this is only a temporary decision", Mr Hape said. ENDS By Anaseini Nuku, Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Policy Subcommittee Member
As a member country of the Commonwealth, New Zealand has made a commitment to uphold the core values established in the Commonwealth Charter. These values include protecting and promoting human rights, upholding the rule of law, and recognising the importance of young people. This is why we add our voice to the call for New Zealand to include 17-year-olds within the youth justice system. As a signatory of the Commonwealth Charter, New Zealand has made the commitment to promote and protect all human rights of all people, and has recognised that these rights are “universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated and cannot be implemented selectively”. We cannot endorse a café-style system of human rights where we pick and choose the rights we want to protect. Once a young person commits an offence and comes into contact with the adult justice system, they become more inclined to reoffend – particularly if they are incarcerated. The youth justice system was established to protect children and young people from the adult justice system, while still keeping them accountable for their actions. And it works – children and young people are less likely to reoffend if they encounter the youth justice system than if they encounter the adult one. If 17 year olds are not included in the youth justice system, they will be denied their entitlement to equal treatment to all other children. The future of our nation and the Commonwealth lies within the hands of our young people. New Zealand affirmed this when we signed the Commonwealth Declaration on Young People in 2009. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that all young people are provided with the right support to see them thrive and realise their potential. It’s easy to provide support and contribute to the successful development of our young people who are already on the right pathway to success. We put the challenge to the government, that they make an equal, if not bigger commitment to supporting the development and success of our young people who are more vulnerable to moving into a life of crime. This is New Zealand’s chance to act as a model and catalyst for other Commonwealth nations. Including 17 year olds in the youth justice system will be a start to ensuring all children and young people are given the right support to see them thrive and succeed in the future. By Stefan McClean, Youth Member of Parliament and CYNZ member
After a toilsome interview, the Speaker of the House, Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff and National MP Brett Hudson offered me the opportunity to become a Youth Member of Parliament. Walking into an interview with such political heavyweights, I knew from the getgo that this wasn’t just about the title and a two day tour of parliament. This position offered the opportunity to promote and protect the youth voice, it also allowed me to become that voice. Since that interview I have organised conferences, attended countless social events, gave speeches and shook hands. As a Youth MP what I really discovered is that, in fact, the youth voice is powerful. Youth can influence politics and make real change, but It takes time and skill, and one speech certainly doesn’t make it reality. Therefore youth, including myself, must persist because we can and have achieved results. Perhaps in such a fastpaced world we have become impatient for results, thus youth apathy for politics has thrived. If so, my next campaign may be to get #Romewasnotbuiltinaday trending. With Youth Parliament fast approaching everyone needs to make their voice heard, for youth this is a one in a three year opportunity to make real gains. This is not only an opportunity for Youth MP’s to just experience Parliament, it’s also an opportunity to contribute to it. Wednesday, 7 June
PR: CYNZ Deputy Executive Director to receive honour from The Queen FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CYNZ's Deputy Executive Director and Victoria University of Wellington student Brad Olsen will travel to the United Kingdom to receive an award from Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth. Mr Olsen, 19, is New Zealand’s 2016 recipient of the Queen’s Young Leader Award, an honour that celebrates and supports 60 exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth each year. The 11-day residential programme will also introduce the winners to a suite of workshops designed to enhance their work in their home countries. The group will call on Twitter, the BBC, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, among others. The programme also includes meeting with senior government officials at 10 Downing Street, and the Awards Ceremony will be held at Buckingham Palace, where Brad will receive his Award from the Queen. "I am absolutely thrilled to see the amazing work Brad has undertaken has been rightly recognised by the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty The Queen," said Aaron Hape, CYNZ's Executive Director, who is also a member of the panel that selects Queen's Young Leader award winners. "His dedication to his community and using his skills to transform lives should serve as an inspiration to young people around the Commonwealth, as it did for me and the Queen's Young Leaders selection panel when we read thousands of inspirational and courageous stories." Brad is being awarded for his work as an advocate for young people. He spent four years on the Whangarei District Council Youth Advisory Group, where he offered advice on policies which affect young people, and is a Youth Ambassador for UNICEF New Zealand, providing views around children’s rights. He has also volunteered with Commonwealth Youth New Zealand, to raise awareness of the Commonwealth. At the age of 17, Brad helped to set up a free healthcare clinic for young people in Whangarei. He works with the National Youth Advisory Group, advising government departments and NGOs about issues ranging from mental health to education. “This is an incredible honour to be recognised at such a high level for the work I’ve been a part of in my community over the last few years. It’s testament to the inspiration people I’ve worked alongside and the impact we’ve had on other people’s lives” says Brad. “This trip coincides with the British Referendum on the European Union on 23 June, which will make London an even more interesting place to be during the Residential Week.” ENDS By Brad Olsen, CYNZ Deputy Executive Director and 2016 Queen’s Young Leader for New Zealand
2016 is speeding by, with June heralding a number of events for both myself and others throughout New Zealand. On 6 June we will observe and congratulate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her 90th Birthday, with a commemorative service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington on 8 June for dignitaries and other guests to formally mark the occasion. Her Majesty’s 90th Birthday provides an opportune time for New Zealanders to remember the Queen’s service over the last 60 years as our Head of State, and her service to the Commonwealth, building it into an institution for change in a rapidly moving world. Much closer to home for myself will be my impending departure to the United Kingdom on 15 June for the start of the Queen’s Young Leader Award Residential Week. This 11-day trip will be a non-stop leadership and networking event where 60 of the Commonwealth’s most inspirational young leaders will gather to take their work to the next level, while also having their past work acknowledged at the highest levels. I’m incredibly excited for the opportunities and experiences I’ll be exposed to, with the Residential Week including a raft of exceptional opportunities like media masterclasses with the Media Trust so that we can effectively communicate our messages out to our followers, visits to Social Action trips to observe amazing charitable work across London, and a chance to delve deeper into how we can best bring about change in our communities. The trip also features a number of incredible visits including a trip to Twitter UK for a social media masterclass, a visit to the BBC to hear about the BBC World Service and traditional media online, on TV and over the airwaves, before we speak to PricewaterhouseCoopers and AMV BBDO on planning our operations. Perhaps the most captivating visits during my trip to the United Kingdom are the Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where Her Majesty the Queen will present me with a Queen’s Young Leader Award medal, with the formal Awards Dinner then being held at Australia House, alongside our afternoon meeting at 10 Downing Street with the Prime Minister and other leading politicians. I’m really looking forward to this one-in-a-lifetime trip, and will be sharing as much of it as possible on my various social media channels – follow me on Twitter (@BradOlsen9) to hear all about it! PR: CYNZ SUPPORTS HELEN CLARK'S BID FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, 5 APRIL 2016 Commonwealth Youth New Zealand welcomes the news that Helen Clark is running for the positon of UN Secretary-General. "We are absolutely delighted that Helen Clark has been nominated by Prime Minister John Key as New Zealand's candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations," said Aaron Hape, Executive Director of Commonwealth Youth New Zealand. "She has proven experience on the international stage and clearly leads with purpose in upholding those important values that the United Nations seeks to maintain and protect. "Helen is also a strong supporter of youth development across the globe, as evidenced with her work with the Global Project on Youth Empowerment for Development and Peace, the Commonwealth Youth Council, the ECOSOC Youth Forum and other youth organisations". CYNZ is pleased to give her its full support in her campaign and wishes her all the best. ENDS PR: Young Kiwi leaders to find solutions for private, public and not-for-profit collaboration29/1/2016 PR: YOUNG KIWI LEADERS TO FIND SOLUTIONS FOR PRIVATE, PUBLIC AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT COLLABORATION
COMMONWEALTH YOUTH NEW ZEALAND FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, 29 JANUARY 2016 Ahead of the 60th anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh's Study Conference, now CSCLeaders, five young kiwis will travel to Scotland to undertake an intensive Commonwealth-focused leadership programme. Mikade Barns Graham, Fatumata Bah, Anaseini Nuku, Madison Burgess-Smith, and Jennifer Fellows have been selected to attend this prestigious event and will spend one week learning finding solutions to the challenge "How do we create a step-change in the way private, public and not-for-profit sectors work together?" 33Sixty, delivered by leadership development experts Common Purpose, provides a framework in which participants can tackle challenges of fundamental importance to the Commonwealth. "As an alumnus of 33Fifty, the predecessor to 33Sixty, I know that these five outstanding leaders will develop their own personal leadership styles as well as make amazing connections from around the world", said Aaron Hape, Commonwealth Youth New Zealand Executive Director. "Participants of this programme have gone on to do amazing things and many have been successful in ensuring their local communities are benefiting from those skills they learnt in this programme" Participants will explore the challenge through in-depth conversations with talented leaders from all sectors and behind-the-scenes visits to a range of incredible organisations to give them a cutting-edge insight into the challenge. On the final day of the programme, participants will present their responses to the challenge to a panel of senior industry leaders. For more information, visit the 33Sixty website. ENDS |
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