The Ōtepoti Youth Vision (ŌYV), a bit of background, plus resources, founding documents and contacts.
The ŌYV Vision
The Vision was developed over 18 months with the input of youth and youth-friendly organisations. The Dunedin City Council, in partnership with the Dunedin Youth Council and Youth Action Committee is the umbrella organisation for the Vision.
The Vision states:
In Ōtepoti (Dunedin) young people are valued, accepted and empowered to lead fulfilled lives, and wellbeing is nurtured.)
Vision Principles:
- Tino Rangatahi Tanga – self-determination and self-empowerment
- Manaakitanga – care, support and acceptance
- Collaboration
- Respect
Vision Goals:
- Communities and organisations are welcoming of all young people.
- Young people feel safe, are being nurtured, accepted and empowered.
- The unique capabilities and contributions of youth are being valued and celebrated.
- Participation and leadership by youth is being encouraged and fostered.
- Pathways, spaces, services and activities are promoted and accessible for all youth so they can achieve their potential.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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When the Ōtepoti Youth Vision begin?
The Ōtepoti Youth Vision was officially launched at Toitū Settlers Museum on 16 May 2019. Young people and representatives from organisations across the city joined together to celebrate the development of the Vision, and its future.
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What is the Ōtepoti Youth Vision’s purpose?
The Ōtepoti Youth Vision has been developed to ensure that “In Ōtepoti (Dunedin) young people are valued, accepted and empowered to lead fulfilled lives, and wellbeing is nurtured.”
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Why has the Ōtepoti Youth Vision been developed?
In November 2016, a hui was held at Ōtākou Marae following the end of the Social Sector Trial (SST). The government had signalled that the SST in its current form was coming to an end but was keen for the community to build on what had been achieved and take ownership of next steps. Many people attended, including the Mayor, Dave Cull and Chair of Ōtākou Runanga, Donna Matahaere-Atariki. The youth in the room gave voice to the need for more youth to be involved in the process and in their ongoing involvement and wellbeing in the city.
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Who attended?
Over 100 people attended the first hui at Ōtākou Marae, including representation from local iwi and rūnaka, Council, health, education, justice, welfare, and community groups and organisations. Throughout this process over one hundred youth were engaged with as well as the majority of youth service providers within the City. The attendance list is available upon request.
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What happened next?
The Dunedin City Council held a subsequent series of hui with youth service providers and with youth themselves. Hui were held for Māori youth at Queens High School, at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery for all Dunedin youth to attend, focus groups at Malcam Trust, for providers in the youth sector and a final co-design hui with youth and providers collectively.
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What was the outcome of these hui?
Youth compiled an extensive list of ideas for what could happen in Dunedin for youth, and this was fed back to providers. With the plan of developing a youth strategy, youth then began work on what would ultimately become the Ōtepoti Youth Vision.
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What are the expected outcomes?
The implementation of the Ōtepoti Youth Vision aims to embed the Vision within youth interactions across Dunedin, both among youth themselves and within organisations that work with, for and alongside youth. Ultimately, it aims to engage the wider community in considering youth as an integral part of Ōtepoti Dunedin, and thereby sign up to engage with and implement the Vision in their everyday connections with youth.
Contacts
If you or your organisation want to get involved with the Ōtepoti Youth Vision contact the Dunedin City Council’s Community Development Team.