Originally published by Māori Television
Youth Voices Action’s Shareya Mcleod-Schmidt believes the top three priorities for the Government over the next three years that affect rangatahi should be a new education system, increased funding for kura and more youth-focused initiatives.
For the “new education system”, she acknowledges there won’t be enough time but she wants schools to go back to basics, with limited devices used in classrooms and students returning to pen and paper.
“Since we’ve brought in devices at school, our success rates have dropped.
“You see kids who are still struggling to do basic English but then you also have really advanced kids who can do university work in Year 11 and that’s a really big gap, so to close that gap just teach the basics properly,” she said.
The Year 12 Tauranga student also wants New Zealand history to be taught properly without bias.
Mcleod-Schmidt said the Government should also provide more funding to schools for more teachers and smaller classrooms.

“We don’t have enough teachers, our class sizes are getting up to 35 students a class, which is really chaotic for one teacher and really chaotic for the 34 other kids in the class.”
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Additionally, she would like to see more youth-focused policies coming from the coalition.
“Right now they are focusing more on the older generations and it’s not really going to benefit the younger ones and the up-and-coming future of New Zealand.”
Mcleod-Schmidt is a member of Youth Voices Action (YVA), a Tauranga-based organisation that creates safe spaces for rangatahi to share ideas and address issues.
She said YVA wanted to see more mental health services for youth from the upcoming Budget.
More counsellors, more kai“The Government did put money into Gumboot Friday but that doesn’t really help all of us,” she said.
“I think this Government should invest in having counsellors in every kura because mental health is a big part of coming to school, being able to go to school, which the Government also wants to encourage.”
Another kaupapa she wants the Government to change is something it has already announced for this year’s Budget. The new Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme will result in early childhood care students receiving meals but a new model for those in intermediate and secondary schools.
Mcleod-Schmidt wants the programme to be more accessible to secondary school students as she knows some rangatahi are going to school hungry and are not part the current Ka Ora, Ka Ako scheme.
“Talking to some kids [from another school], they were saying how it’s kind of sad how they don’t get lunches because a lot of kids there and at [a different school] don’t take kai to school or they can’t buy kai at school because they don’t have the money.
“Not saying that babies don’t need it but it’s more like older kids need the kai to learn at kura, whereas early childhood kids are more playing. They still do need kai but usually that’s included in their fees,” she said.

The Tauranga Youth Development Team, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people in the Bay of Plenty, is thrilled to announce its rebrand to Youth Voices Action. 
This significant transformation includes the adoption of a dynamic new logo, new initiatives and the formation of an internal youth panel, which plays a crucial role in steering the organisation’s direction by providing a fresh youth perspective.
To celebrate the rebrand, YVA is excited to unveil YouthFest, an inspiring festival designed by and for young people.
This inaugural event, aligned with Youth Week, will feature an electrifying line-up of local youth bands such as Requiem, Blah Blah Uh Huh Boo Hoo, and the dynamic duo Ashlee & Simone with their live looping performance, along with Quann.

"YouthFest is proof of the hard work and creative input by our youth panel," says Ara Robinson, a panel member.
"Even though we've had to work with a tight budget, we are learning a lot, especially how much work goes into organising something like this.”
Adam McLean adds, "YouthFest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the young talent we have in the Bay and enjoy a fun afternoon together celebrating Youth Week."
The festival will also highlight the extraordinary talents of 11-year-old Nina Smith from Mount Maunganui.
"Performing live makes me feel really good, and I'm excited to bring joy to everyone at the Historic Village during YouthFest," says Nina.

Erika Harvey, General Manager of YVA, who has led the organisation through their strategic re-brand and direction, shared her excitement.
"Our rebranding signifies a renewed dedication to the young people we serve. YouthFest marks the beginning of what we anticipate will be a transformative journey.
"We would love to see the community join us on the 25th and enjoy the hard work that our organisation and our panel have done in bringing this event to life.”
Rebecca Kit, Partnerships and Community Manager, is eager to explore future collaborations. "YouthFest provides an ideal platform for connecting with rangtahi and other organisations. I hope you’ll stop by and say hello," she notes.

YouthFest will also highlight young entrepreneurs, supported by local organisation StandTALL, and will feature a variety of other organisations that support rangatahi, creating numerous networking and growth opportunities.
This year's Youth Week theme, "‘Māwherangi a tama roto ka taka, kāpuia ake ka pūrangiaho’ (‘We may not have it all together, but together we have it all’)," perfectly captures the spirit of the festival.
Free tickets for YouthFest are available online by visiting their website at www.youthvoicesaction.org.nz.
Youth Voices Action gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors, including the Tauranga City Council, Creative Communities NZ, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, and Ara Taiohi Youth Week, whose contributions have made it possible to bring this event to life.

Join us at the Historic Village, Tauranga on May 25th, 2024, from 1 PM to 4 PM, to celebrate the vibrant energy and potential of our young people.
Bring your picnic blankets and chairs, and enjoy a day filled with music, creativity, and community spirit.

Originally Published: https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/343058-youth-voices-action--launch-of-youthfest.html