There will soon be opportunities for young people in Twizel to take part in after school youth and community development programmes, active recreation and sports, and driver education and instruction thanks to a collaboration between The Y Central South Island (The Y) and Mackenzie District Council (MDC).

“Initially we will deliver after school play, active recreation and sport activities each Wednesday and Thursday for up to two hours, starting 6 November at the Twizel Events Centre. So immediately schools out, come on over!” says Keith Shaw, Y Central South Island Chief Executive Officer.

“Our joint goal is to better serve the needs of tamariki, taiohi, whānau and hapori by bringing our range of programmes and services to Twizel.

“Over the last several years we have been increasing our programme and service delivery across other towns in Canterbury, including Methven, Mayfield, Hinds, Temuka and Waimate. Coming to Twizel is part of our commitment to the greater Central South Island rohe.”

Mackenzie District Mayor Anne Munro said, “I am delighted that Twizel youth will have these new opportunities and that we have been able to partner with The Y to offer some exciting new programmes.”

The Y will be located at the Twizel Events Centre in a shared space near the front door with MDC and the Mayoral Taskforce team.

“This is a first step in ‘empowering the mana of youth,’” says The Y’s Manager – Youth & Community Development Jessica Thomas, who grew up in Twizel and attended Twizel Area School during her youth. “Initially we’ll have some onsite youth worker support and we’ll bring staff in for certain programmes like driving, parenting programmes and active recreation, but we look forward to expanding the programmes and services further over coming years.”