2399 days ago

A panel discussion focussed on young people and their opinions

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

This week Bill McAulay chaired a panel discussion focussed on young people and their opinions. The panellists were all from Porirua College, with which our club has a close association. Pictured here from left to right are:

Deputy Head Boy, Taupe-Jack Lomax, Deputy Head Girl, Madonna Tui, Head Girl, Tiresa Fomai and Head Boy, Pualaga Tuai'aufa'i, together with Teacher and Guidance Counsellor, Steve Barnsley.

The students had chosen five themes: Labels, Gender, Sports, Stereotypes, and The Future. They made some initial observations on each theme and then responded to questions from the floor.

Porirua College is unusual. The roll is two-thirds Pasifika and a quarter Maori, a makeup which naturally determines the culture of the school. They told us about prejudice, their pride in the college and the city, and the importance of sport in fixing identity. They considered themselves more liberal than previous generations, especially in gender matters.

In thinking about the future, they were apprehensive about climate change, pollution, species extinctions and the loss of traditional freedoms. They accepted that they were the next responsible generation and would have to deal with these problems.

Were they being too pessimistic? Is the outlook for humanity any worse than during the cold war?

The students were unfazed by having to address a room full of oldies, and confident in their delivery. We wish them the best of luck.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️‍💥❔

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
1 day ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

Image
Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 78.9% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    78.9% Complete
  • 21.1% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    21.1% Complete
437 votes
29 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

Image