Young people the priority

Rotorua Mayor-elect Steve Chadwick chaired her first meeting since the weekend's election yesterday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Driving Rotorua's economy and improving prospects for its young citizens are high on Rotorua Mayor-elect's priorities.

Yesterday at the Excel Rotorua Community Leadership Group Steve Chadwick chaired her first meeting since her election on Saturday.

The group was meeting for the first time since the launch of the initiative to boost education achievements for the district's young people.

Excel Rotorua aims to increase participation in quality early childhood education, improve literacy and numeracy achievement, increase success at NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent), build pathways between education providers and employment, and reduce risky behaviour.

Those who attended the leadership group included project leader Leith Comer and Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust chief executive Roana Bennett, and leaders from education, health, community and business.

"Excel Rotorua is an innovative and bold programme offering a unique opportunity to make a real difference for our young people, and to help them craft a positive future," Mrs Chadwick said.

"It's aimed at improving educational outcomes and putting in place clear pathways to training and employment - for young people from ages zero to 18 years. We're fortunate that Rotorua is one of 10 centres selected to trial this new two-year initiative to help achieve the sort of educational progress our children deserve.

"I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to ensure our future educational direction is locally driven - so we can help solve Rotorua problems by implementing Rotorua solutions."

Yesterday was the first meeting of the leadership group. The aim was to brief people on the projects and for discussion. The group will meet at least once more before Christmas.

Excel Rotorua, a $1.69 million social sector trial, was launched last month at Rotorua Primary School with Education Minister Hekia Parata. It is the first in the country to focus on education and if successful could be used as a model for the rest of New Zealand. The initiative is being led by Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Trust.