About Drivethru

DriveThru is an initiative of the Children's & Youth Advocacy Team of the Christchurch City Council - it is to help give our young people a voice and to connect them with the decision makers of the city of Christchurch.

Young people are often viewed as problems, when in reality they are members of the Council's constituency. Some older young people are already voters, rate payers and leaders, while the younger people must be viewed as potential voters, rate payers and leaders.

The Council believes it is important to foster the enthusiasm of young people and to use this for the benefit of the entire community. If the city fails to provide opportunities for its young people their energy, creativity and community participation will be lost, resulting in economic and social costs for Christchurch.

The case for involving and targeting young people in Council’s activities and policy development can be divided into three categories: political, legal and social. The political rationale for youth participation acknowledges the benefits of involvement such as:

• Improved services
• A strengthening of representative democracy by giving a voice to those unable to vote for political representation
• A raising of awareness within the youth population of political processes
• The creation of an environment where young people have the opportunity to develop the skills to make a positive difference to their city

The legal rationale for young people’s involvement in the Council’s activities rests largely on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was ratified by the New Zealand government in 1993. The Convention has the status of international law, and grants a range of participation rights to people up to the age of 18 years. The Council is well placed to implement the Convention. The breadth of work carried out by Council units has a significant impact on the day to day life experiences of the city’s young people.

The implementation of the Local Government Act (2002) also places emphasis on Councils to consult with their communities about any decision that imparts on their daily lives and this, of course, includes young people.

The social rationale for young people’s involvement in local government centres on young people (12-24) making up 21.7 % (68,469) of the Christchurch population. This large group within the community should share the same fundamental right to participate. They should not have to argue their case for possessing the same rights as other Christchurch residents.

Christchurch City Council is bound by the principles of the Youth Strategy and Youth Policy. A city which is attractive to young people, and which involves, values and acknowledges young people creates benefits for the whole community.

DriveThru is one method of participation for the young people of Christchurch to get involved, go for it! If you have any questions contact us via Contact Us.