| September 1999 |
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Tony Ryall MP, Freepost
Email: tony.ryall @parliament.govt.nz
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Changes to Drinking Age -
What it Means for You The Sale of Liquor Amendment Act, means a lot of changes to the way alcohol is sold. One of the more controversial is the lowering of the drinking age from 20 to 18. This and a number of other significant changes come into force on 1 December 1999. There are mixed views about changing the age and Parliament voted on it in a conscience vote. At the same time, by introducing tough new penalties Parliament has made it clear that it doesn’t expect people younger than eighteen to be drinking – unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian and are in a non restricted space such as a café. There will be much stricter enforcement of the law and if a venue serves an under 18 year old the penalty has been doubled. There are also penalties for young people found using false IDs. If you are 18 and drinking it is important that you carry some form of photo ID such as a driving licence or passport. We realise that not everyone has a drivers licence or passport so Ministry of Justice officials are looking at other forms of ID. If you don’t have an updated drivers licence - get one now. You don’t have to wait until your birthday.
You will probably see a lot more about the proposed changes in the next month or two. Youth Affairs officials are working with the Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council and other agencies in putting together a strategy for informing young people of the law changes and the importance of responsible drinking and not drinking and driving. Keep your eyes open.
Developments to Website
www.youthaffairs.govt.nz Those of you interested in browsing the internet should take a look at the Ministry of Youth Affairs website.
Two new sections have just been added There are five recent issues papers on the other new section. These are:
Other Happenings Affecting Youth Affairs
Rimutaka Prison Pilot
The pilot is running in three sites – Rimutaka, Rolleston and Invercargill. This is the third year of the three-year pilot. We’ll be looking next year at whether it should continue. The group does a range of conservation, education and recreation activities. It’s aimed at making it easier for participants to find a job when they get out and to reduce offending. Early results from the pilot are encouraging. I really enjoyed the chance to see the pilot in action and meet some of the participants – Tane, Darryl, Lotu, Karl and Simon.
Calling all Budding Politicians
Next year the Ministry will be hosting the third Youth Parliament. This involves every MP selecting a young person to attend two days of parliament. The aim is to help young people be more involved and understand more about parliamentary processes. It’s also another opportunity for politicians to hear first hand young people’s views. Attendees get the chance to debate in the House of Representatives, host a select committee and ask parliamentary questions. This is a great opportunity to see what really goes on in the Beehive. If you are interested (or know someone who is) you should contact your local MP.
National Children’s Day
When you get your calendars for next year circle 1 October 2000. That’s the day we’ve selected for National Children’s Day. We’re still at the planning stage and a group of government agencies, including the Ministry of Youth Affairs, are currently looking at options, themes, event and activities. Keep your eye out for details and if you have views about what the day should be about let me know.
More Student Representatives Needed
As this is the last newsletter I’ll be putting out this year I’d like to thank the 474 young people who’ve been student representatives this year. Each year all 1852 full primary, intermediate and secondary schools are asked to appoint a student representative. We would really like to have more schools take advantage of this scheme. I’d encourage you to promote the scheme to your friends – particularly if they attend schools not currently represented. As you’ll know the key role of the representative is to act as a liaison between the Minister, Ministry of Youth Affairs and their schools and to share information provided by the Ministry or myself to other students. The scheme helps the Ministry provide information to young people and learn more about what young people think of an issue. It increases the likelihood that young people will be consulted when their schools and communities are making decisions that affect them. Hopefully it also makes it easier for yourself and other students at your school to contact the Ministry or myself when you have questions or concerns. A reminder - if you do have any questions or concerns please contact me.
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Last month I had the chance to visit the Rimutaka Conservation Corps Prison Pilot. The course has eight young inmates (under the age of 25) on it and runs for twelve weeks.