ISSUE 7
BRONWYN KAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND FOODIE BROWYN KAN HAS RELEASED HER OWN BOOK, SEE WHAT INSPIRES HER
YOUR STORY HARD WORK AND A LUST TO ACHIEVE, BYUNG CHEOL TALKS ABOUT HIS LIFE FROM BEING A DUX AT SCHOOL TO STUDYING AT PRINCETON
WANNABE MEET TEACHER, TAE-KWON DO INSTRUCTOR AND WORLD CHAMPION BRENDON DOOGON
YOUR STORY WAITING FOR THE HOKKAIDO RAIN, A STORY THAT TOUCHES ON GRIEF AND MEMORIES BETWEEN YOUTH AND ADULTHOOD
[hey-day] THE STAGE OR PERIOD OF GREATEST VIGOUR, STRENGTH, SUCCESS, ETC.; PRIME
EDITORIAL Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can praise them, disagree with them, quote them, disbelieve them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward. Maybe they have to be crazy. How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels? While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. Hope you enjoy the issue!
Chloe Vaughan Editor
TS
N CONTE
IN THIS ISSUE
MUSIC / ENTERTAINMENT
18. YOUTH WORKER
YOUR STORY
At 17, Chloe spied a poster for Youthline, which sparked a career in
10. BYUNG CHEOL
06. BRONSON PRICE
youth work. She is also a member on
“Double Crown” of Dux and Top
Heyday interviews Bronson Price
the Wellington Regional Youth Worker
Scholar, he was later admitted to
member of the group Third3ye. He chats Trust and has recently graduated with a Bachelor in Youth Development at to us about how he got into music and the trials and tribulations of doing what you love.
TOPICAL 20. STEER CLEAR
the dangers of using drugs and its effects while behind the steering wheel. 21. YOUNG INNOVATORS COLLECTIVE
was adapting to life at Princeton.
22. RUNNING FOR A REASON Avid runner and Sous Chef, Ben Firth
24. WAITING FOR THE HOKKAIDO RAIN
talks about how running was a way for
This creative story explores a child’s
him to get away from the daily grind.
reaction to his father’s funeral. The story touches on ideas of innocence,
WANNABE 08. LAWYER Study, work, friends and family, that is how Melanie Potter a young lawyer and member of Youthline Trust Board balances her busy life.
Young Innovators Collective is a place where young people can be
We caught up with BC to see how he
Weltec.
We interview the group behind “Steer Clear” an informative web site about
Princeton University, Class of 2018.
12. TAE-KWON DO AND TEACHING
grief, memory, and the divide between youth and adulthood.
TRAVEL 16. OUTWARD BOUND Our editor jumps into the deep end and talks about her experience on the 21 day Outward Bound course.
empowered and inspired to dream big and take action. YIC is an all access
Teacher, Tae-Kwon Do Instructor and
point for young people in Auckland
World Champion, Brendon Doogan
looking for opportunities to thrive and
talks about his passion in helping
grow and to find their passions.
young people reach their potential, how he go into Tae-Kwon Do and how
INSPIRE
it has influenced his life.
04. BRONWYN KAN
14. PHOTOGRAPHY 101
Graphic Designer and foodie Bronwyn
19-year-old Sammi is an aspiring
Kan talks about her life long passion
photographer and sees beauty in
for food. She released her own
the smallest and the most common
cooking book this year. Read more to
things.
see what it takes.
CONTRIBUTE If you have any cool stories you want to share or have story ideas then we want to hear from you. Email: chloe@youthline.co.nz
om
EC n K w yn O k U an T .c .b ro
CH w w w
BRONWYN KAN - By Mandy Te -
Less than a year out from graduating with a Bachelor of Design at AUT University, Bronwyn Kan has released her first cookbook called WHOLE: Recipes for Simple Wholefood Eating.
4
Inspire Growing up, Bronwyn recounts how she would read and
In a nutshell, Bronwyn’s cookbook is “a celebration of
collect far too many magazines – and she still continues
women and food; those who love to cook, share and
to do so. Inspired by these magazines, Bronwyn’s dream
enjoy good wholesome food that nourishes the mind,
job was to be a magazine art director, “I did my research
body and soul. The recipes themselves are contributed
and came upon the field of Graphic Design and decided
by the founders of some well known New Zealand health
then and there that it was what I wanted to study. Luckily I
and wellness blogs and businesses such as The Raw
didn’t grow out of the idea; instead I fell in love with it even
Kitchen, Mondays Wholefoods, Be Good Organics, The
more and knew it was a perfect fit for my creative soul!”
Caker and many more. The book itself focuses on teaching
Her enthusiasm for Graphic Design has bloomed with age,
readers how to incorporate more natural, nutrient-dense
and she considers it an important aspect of her life; “I’m
ingredients into their diet – I like to think of it as making
always encountering new ideas, people and places that
simple substitutions and it’s something that can translate
inspire me – design is a wonderful way to incorporate and
into our everyday food choices. Many of the recipes are
showcase this.”
also based around a handful of ingredients – so we’re keeping it simple as we can.”
Awarded Top of The Class, Bronwyn describes her time at AUT as “a wild ride but definitely a good time!” Looking
Although the process of creating WHOLE: Recipes for
back, she really appreciates how she was “encouraged
Simple Wholefood Eating was at times, overwhelming; for
and able to play, experiment and explore a lot with the
Bronwyn, it was ultimately rewarding. Social media was
work I was creating. I also loved being surrounded by
how she discovered all of the contributors and the beauty
so many other talented and passionate designers who
of this method, was how easy it was for Bronwyn to reach
really challenged me and I’m excited to see where our
out and connect with them – despite not having met
different skills and paths will now lead us.” For young
them in person before. After finding contributors for her
people, who want to pursue Graphic Design or any other
cookbook, Bronwyn wanted to be as “hands-on with the
field, her advice is passionate and full of encouragement –
process of creating this book as I possibly could so I took
“whatever your goal, let it be known where you want to be
on the role of organizing and managing everything directly
and take pride in saying so and don’t ever, ever, ever stop
with each one of them [the contributors]. I never quite
believing in yourself and in your work!”
realised how big of a task this was going to be especially working around not only my own work schedule but also
As someone who has recently started flatting, I’m always
that of 11 different others who lead some very busy lives!”
online visiting food blogs for recipe ideas and healthier
Reflecting on the hardships of the process, Bronwyn
alternatives to sweet treats. Therefore, I’m eagerly
states “I wouldn’t have had it any other way – the book is
anticipating the release of Bronwyn’s cookbook. Initially a
a reflection of our newfound friendships and by working
university project, Bronwyn’s WHOLE: Recipes for Simple
closely together, we’ve compiled a varied collection that
Wholefood Eating emerged from her fascination and
showcases their eating philosophies.”
growing inspiration to explore a more wholesome lifestyle and diet after crossing paths with some incredible friends
Bronwyn’s advice for aspiring food bloggers and cookbook
who run the yummiest superfood smoothie business called writers is more of a positive command. Today, blogging Organic Mechanic. This superfood smoothie business
isn’t about writing diary entries. You can make an Instagram
taught Bronwyn about “the power we each possess to
account or create a Facebook page; “there are so many
revolutionise our own health through the food in which we
outlets nowadays that there’s one bound to be perfect for
choose to consume. I decided to use my assignment as an
you to share your ideas with the world. And, if you have an
opportunity to reach out further and collaborate with other
idea for a new blog that you’ve been meaning to create for
inspirational individuals to continue sharing this message
some time but never really got around to it, do it now! Off
with the world. And now, with the incredible support from
you go!”
Beatnik Publishing, it’s going to be an actual cookbook and I can’t wait to share with you all!”
5
Music Entertainment
Bronson Price grew up in a small village in the west side of Auckland called Avondale He’s 24-years-old and has been creating music since he was 11 or 12. So how did you get into music?
What has been your career highlight so far and why?
“I have always been into music since a young age, but
Probably doing shows and meeting different people, going
I really got into music after I injured my knee playing
on tour and playing amazing festivals with amazing people,
basketball, I had to take a whole season off which at the
getting to see our beautiful country while doing what I love.
time really sucked for me because I was playing for a high grade rep team and it was also keeping me out of trouble. I then started freestyling on my way home from school with a couple mates, that turned into burning blank cd loaded with hiphop instrumentals and writing to the beats, that’s when I found my love for music. Who has been your biggest influence (in music, life or otherwise) to date? One of them would be my mother, and probably the sun. Without the sun we don’t exist. People are always more happy when the sun is beaming.
What are some of the struggles that you faced in getting to where you are today? Other people’s opinions towards my craft, being judged, having self-doubt, being broke, to name a few. What does the future hold for you? Any projects on the horizon? I’m not sure what it holds but I know I have chosen the right path and wouldn’t change a thing, I am working on an acoustic / psychedelic / soul project with a friend and thats called “Placid Vertigo”, I am currently doing live shows and finishing up my mixtape with the “MeloDownz” band.
Bronson was selected to be a judge at the latest Action
And also playing shows and writing a new project with my
Education Spoken Word slam in October.
group “Third3ye” where we are releasing a new video in a
So what was it like to be a judge for WORD The Front Line this year?
couple weeks called “Believers”. When you’re not playing music what are you doing?
“It was kinda overwhelming for me as I don’t come from
When I’m not playing music I’m writing music, or being
a spoken word background. And being seated next to the
a creative practitioner working with young people helping
other judges who were well established poets was a bit
them find a creative niche or platform where they can
intimidating haha, Nah but it was a real privilege having
express themselves, doing massage therapy on old people
been chosen as a judge and I was blown away by the
or annoying my girlfriend.
talent every poet had, they were all unique and had their own story to tell. That was dope !!”
How do you fit your friends and family in around your music and other paid work?
How would you describe the music you create in five
Most my friends come to my shows and a large proportion
words?
of them are musicians too, so that’s easy. During the week
Raw, Dope, Honest, Wavvey, Hypocritical (at times)
when I’m not doing music I’m either doing some type of
What advice would you give to young people wanting to get into music? Find your own sound, and just remember there are no rules to making music. You can create whatever you want. Hang out with likeminded people with the same intentions and do it for the love. What’s the one thing you wished you known when you started pursuing music? Haha I wish I had known that the NZ music scene is too small and that it’s about who you know rather than the actual talent you hold. 6
youth work or being a massage therapist. And I try to catch up with my family whenever I can. Everyone seems to be busy so when we are all free, it’s always are beautiful time with the family. Lovely.
THIRD3YE BRONSON PRICE
7
A N N A W
BE
8
LAWYER Name: Melanie Potter Occupation: Lawyer Melanie Potter says becoming a member of the Youthline
“Being self-aware is key in leadership and means you can
Charitable Trust board has been an exercise in youth
play to your strengths and develop your weaknesses. And
development in action. She has learnt a huge amount and
while you’re mastering that, you can take awareness a
is very grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the
step further by studying what motivates the people you’re
strategic direction of an organisation like Youthline.
leading so that you can adapt your leadership style to help them reach their personal and professional potential too.”
Melanie hails from Rotorua and studied Law, French and International Relations at Victoria University in
Her advice to young people taking up leadership roles is to
Wellington. She joined Simpson Grierson as a solicitor in
take the time to work out what you’re passionate about, and
2014. Simpson Grierson has been a long-time sponsor of
seize or seek out opportunities to lead in that arena. “Your
Youthline and this relationship has led to Simpson Grierson
passion and excitement will shine through and inspire the
providing a youth trustee to sit on the Youthline board.
people you’re leading.” She also says it’s important for a leader to be authentic and approachable in the eyes of their
She had been working at Simpson Grierson for five months team. “Young people really respond to genuine, excitable, when she was asked whether she’d be interested in
friendly leaders and are more likely to trust, be inspired by
applying to be one of the board members for Youthline.
and share their ideas with young leaders who display these attributes.”
Her first board meeting was the 2014 strategic planning day, which coincided with Youthline’s Annual General Meeting.
When she’s not working or volunteering for Youthline,
“It was great to be introduced to all the different things Youthline
Melanie loves walking and plays social tennis and touch,
does and to the various goals of the organisation through a long,
despite describing herself as “not a sporty person really.”
‘big picture’, strategic discussion right off the bat.”
She also grew up horse-riding and is keen to get back into it one day soon.
From a young age, she was taught about the importance of serving the community, which aligns well with Youthline’s
When asked about what gets her excited, she says music.
visions and values. She says her interest in service probably
She is a “big singer”, listens to music at home almost
stemmed from the emphasis on community at her
constantly and recently bought a cheap keyboard for her
secondary school.
flat, which she says isn’t the same as having a proper piano, but is more practical in a flat.
She has always seen her life broken into four quadrants: study (and now work), friends and family, hobbies and
Another passion for her is French. She spent some
service. She says doing a variety of volunteer work has
time in France on an exchange programme in Southern
often led to personal development and made it possible for
Champagne.
her to reflect on her own life and goals. When asked what advice she’d give to herself five years Melanie has also gained a lot from taking up leadership
ago, she says it’d be “don’t sweat the small stuff.” But she
roles. She says leadership is important for the personal
says she will probably be striving to live by this motto for
and professional development of young people because
the rest of her life!
it makes you reflect on what excites and motivates you and what your professional and interpersonal skills are. 9
BYUNG-CHEOL Byung-Cheol (BC) is a Korean-born, New Zealand-raised student. He attended Auckland Grammar School, graduating in 2013 with the “double crown” of Dux and Top Scholar. He was later admitted to Princeton University, Class of 2018. We caught up with BC to see how he was adapting to life at Princeton, as well as gaining insight into his plans and motivations in study.
Tell us a little bit about what you are currently studying Can you share with us the sorts of activities you have been, or would like to be, involved in on campus? I am currently studying Electrical Engineering at Princeton. Unlike in New Zealand, Princeton does not have the
I’ve been involved in the Princeton Ballroom Dance Club,
option of a double major. Instead they offer numerous
which was a really great new experience. I’ve only just
certificate programmes. I hope to do some of these
started to get settled in, so my extracurricular activities
certificate programmes, and am particularly interested in
have been limited so far because of the time I’ve had to
neuroscience, robotics and intelligence, and engineering
devote to study. Aside from that though, I’ve been able
biology. I probably can’t do all of them, but I’ve yet to
to set aside some time for campus ministries like Manna
decide which ones to do.
Christian Fellowship.
That sounds like a lot of study! But we all know that
So what is it like to study at one of the world’s top
university is a balancing act between study and social
universities? Everyone talks about university being a
life. This must especially be true living on campus.
big jump from high school. Are there any difficulties in having now moved out of home, country and
10
Your Story
hemisphere?
important, if at all, to yourself as an individual and as a member of society? Why should people spend so
Starting university, moving out, and moving to another
much time, effort and resources into pursuing tertiary
country are each daunting processes on their own.
qualifications?
Unsurprisingly, my first semester has been quite tough in terms of getting back into a systematic routine of study.
I suppose there’s a huge ongoing debate about the
Especially so because I had a longer break than others
importance of tertiary education. I’m not experienced
while waiting for the American university admissions. I’m
enough in the research, nor well-read in this area, to
mostly settled in now, but I’m still getting to know how
contribute meaningfully to this. However here are my
things work in terms of academic, social and cultural
personal views:
life here. Firstly, tertiary education is not only about academic Now that you are settled in, the real studying must
development, but also personal, mental, and emotional
be beginning. As a well established student, what are
development. We learn not just to be professionals, but to
your main motivations and inspirations in study (and
BE professional; mature and valuable members of society.
life)?
What I mean is that, higher education is as much about character as it is occupation.
A number of things motivate me in my studies. In the short term, like any other student, there are times where there
Secondly, creativity and outside-the-box problem solving
are just things that need to be done. But it’s hard to call
and thinking is critical to meaningful work and contribution
that motivation; it’s more so pressure, and a struggle to
to society after education. But we also need to invest time
survive. I also can’t deny that I am curious about a lot of
to learn what has been done before so that we can stand
things, so I can get excited when I learn new mechanisms
on the shoulders of giants. Of course, tertiary education
or finally grasp a concept in class.
does not always equate to these skills. There have been numerous successful exceptions to this. However, we
In the future, and even now, I want to do whatever I can to
should not think that these exceptions take away, in any help people and improve society. Knowing that there are so way, the value and privilege of a higher education. many things that could be done to make life more liveable, especially with the modern technological developments,
On a final, and more typical note, where do you see
gives me a general life ambition.
yourself in 10 years? Where are you headed?
However, my greatest motivation and encouragement is
I see myself going into research, probably in the biomedical
much more personal. As a devoted Christian, I derive my
field. From a career point of view, I am currently very
joy in life from God, and my studies are a form of glorifying
interested in integrating physics, mathematics and human
God. It relieves a lot of pressure on me when I ponder
biology to help develop tools that can help diagnose and
ideas such as eternity and other unfathomable truths. I
treat diseases. n all seriousness, I will probably be in the
admit, it has been difficult to maintain this with a busy
middle of a graduate degree in 10 years time.
academic schedule. But I have a maxim that serves as a constant reminder: soli Deo gloria, glory to God alone.
A huge thank you to BC who took time off studying for his upcoming assessment to talk to us. You can follow
It is great that you are so devoted to something. Now
more on the ‘adventures’ of BC through his personal
that you have shared your motivations, what are
blog: www.cubstepsintoprinceton.wordpress.com
some of possible motivations for other young people in pursuing education? Why is higher education 11
T OU z K .co.n EC .itkd CHwww
12
TAE-KWON DO AND TEACHING
A N N A W
BE
BRENDON DOOGAN Occupation? When you’re not doing martial arts what
self-defence. The syllabus is achievable but challenging,
are you doing?
and the atmosphere at club trainings is social. There’s plenty of fitness and fun, and you can push yourself
When I’m not doing Taekwon-Do I’m a teacher. I love
competitively if you want to.
helping young people to learn and overcome challenges, whether it be academic or reaching their next goal in TKD.
What advice would you give to a person wanting to
This year I had the honour of helping coach young Kiwis to
pursue martial arts?
the Taekwon-Do World Championships in Italy, where we won gold medals in each of the five different events, and
Shop around, ask to watch a session at a club and see
took the best country spot for the second time in the last
what the atmosphere, instructing and other students are
three champs.
like. Have an idea of what you want to get out of training, for instance fitness, self-defence, competitions, a past
How did you get involved in martial arts?
time with friends.
I began Taekwon-Do almost by accident. My sister had
How influential has your family and friends been
been going along, invited by a friend, so I thought “Well if
so far?
she can, I can too”. I happened to walk into what became one of the strongest martial arts clubs in the country,
Well slowly my circle of friends has grown to include more
which has produced several dozen black belts, as well as
and more Taekwon-Do people! They’re a big influence on
numerous World Champs and World Cup medals. Dragon’s
my life, and I love hanging out with them, working on goals
Spirit has been one of the largest clubs for the past few
together, sharing workouts, laughter and the occasional
years, and has won national awards for best instructor,
bruise. My family supported me strongly as a teenager,
best club, and senior and junior members of the year.
and still do by coming to watch me at various events.
How old were you when you began? I began training
Where have you travelled to compete?
when I was seventeen, eighteen years ago. I’ve competed in most cities in New Zealand, and overseas What is the highest accolade that you have managed
in England, Spain, Italy, Australia and Jamaica, as well as to reach thus far? In 2013 I won gold at the World Champs bits and pieces of Taekwon-Do training in several other in power breaking, which is using bare hands and feet to countries including South Korea. break boards. What is the highlight of your martial arts journey What makes Taekwon-Do different from other types of
so far? Getting my first Dan black belt was really special.
martial arts?
(The term Dan is commonly used in Korean martial arts to denote a black belt.) Becoming World Champion was nice,
ITF Taekwon-Do is a really broad art, including striking,
and being able to help coach others to do the same was
blocking and kicking, but also flying kicks, board breaking,
sublime.
sparring, patterns, choreographed fights and of course, 13
14
Inspire
PHOTOGRAPHY 101 by Sammi Lawrence Photography has honestly changed the way I look at everything around me. You can find beauty in the smallest, most common things, and I love being able to capture that. I’ve always loved taking photos, since as soon as my dad trusted me enough because we had film cameras, that meant we couldn’t just delete it if it wasn’t right. But you don’t get a perfect photo by taking one photograph and hoping it turns out right – after a shoot I literally have 100’s to sort through, most are pretty similar, but that’s also another thing I love about being able to capture things. I love how you can have 200 photos from the same day, and same place, but they are all different in some way. I’ve noticed one of the main things that hold people back when it comes to photography, is they don’t know what to photograph. You’ll be really surprised what you find if you just SLOW DOWN and take a crawl around your garden, or at the local park. Just be creative. I’ve seen the most beautiful pictures of the most common things. Photography is just a form of art, it’s a way of expressing yourself without the need for words or noises, or for me it’s a way to communicate when words just feel inadequate but in saying that, a camera is to a photographer what pen and paper is to a writer. It’s just a tool. You can’t expect it to do all the work and constantly get amazing results. To get the best out of photographing you have to experiment and play with different settings, angles and light. But rather than spending days buried in books, trying to learn what to do actually work with the camera, hands on. Pick up a camera, stick it in manual (if your camera has it) and just see what happens. Experiment! That’s all a part of the fun of it. Never stop exploring.
15
Inspire
OUTWARD
BOUND
I’m an avid traveller; I enjoy discovering new places, new people and new cultures. Four weeks of annual leave never seems to be enough and I often find myself overseas. So when I saw an opportunity to go and explore the Marlborough Sounds as part of Outward Bound I leaped at the chance to explore my own backyard. I spent 21 days in the wilderness; exercising every day doing everything from rock climbing, tramping, swimming, and kayaking. I was part of the Classic 606 course in June this year. When I first arrived at Anakiwa I wasn’t really sure what I had got myself into, but I thought that was the point. Prior to Outward Bound (OB) I had begun to believe that I had reached all my goals and exhausted my potential in what I had to give but boy was I wrong. Being part of Cook Watch 606 has helped to reframe how I have been approaching my own life both professionally and personally and has helped me to realise just how much more I have to give both in my work and volunteering and to those around me. At OB I came across situations where I felt completely out of my depth and out of any comfort zone I knew before but I was able to get through it - I made it up a rock face climbing blindfolded, I kayaked over a waterfall and I was part of a team that sailed a cutter on sea scheme and I even completed a high ropes course which included walking across single wires and not holding onto “my excuses”. I did all this and much more and found a part of myself that I didn’t know existed. It is an experience I will look back on for many days, months and even years to come because it stretched me further than I thought was possible. In that time I did it all while not being comfortable, not always being sure of me but regardless of all my own fears and negative thoughts 16
Chloe talks about her 21 day experience at Outward Bound throughout the activities, I still did it! I want to thank you the leaders at OB and Youthline for giving me the chance to see something in myself that I couldn’t see in the beginning. I can’t wait to get into everything now, work, life, relationships and so much more and really start to apply what I have learnt at OB at Youthline in my volunteer work. This opportunity has given me a new burst of life and has made me see just how important it is to keep challenging myself and helping others to see their own potential - since there is more in you. Whether it’s money, fitness or time that’s holding you back from making your life the way you want it to be, Outward Bound can help you break through it all. I have learned to adapt my leadership style to suit the people and situation I am working in. One of the most important things I learned was leadership is not reserved for those in management positions. During OB I was able to take the time to reflect on my own actions which is a key to professional and personal development. I am now more proactive in taking time to reflect on what is happening around me, in particular when I am at work. This enables me to innovate and come up with more creative solutions to everyday problems. During my time at OB I was able to face my fears of uncertainty and anxiety around never knowing what was coming up next. I was able to learn to tap and wait when we practiced rolling in the water in a kayak, get up every day at 5.50am for a warm up and a run then a dip in the icy water followed by a cold shower. I scaled a rock face without much to guide me but my hands and my sheer determination to reach the top. I jumped in the icy cold water after long days of tramping and rowing.
I mastered a high ropes course where I pushed myself further by crossing a high rise beam multiple times and jumping 2 feet between platforms amongst the trees. Above all it has made me appreciate the need to take time out to reflect on where I am and where I want to be. So take a step back and focus on you! How does it work? The Outward Bound motto is simple, Better people, better communities, better world. Since 1962 over 55,000 kiwis have discovered there is more in them. They have faced the elements, and their fears. It has also helped thousands of people reconnect with their values and find their future. If you’re interested: 0800 OUTWARD info@outwardbound.co.nz www.outwardbound.co.nz www.facebook.co.nz/outwardboundnz
17
YOUTH WORKER When she was twelve, Chloe Bisley-Wright spied a poster for Youthline at an art competition. Upon learning about the organisation, she decided right then and there that she would work for Youthline one day. By Rachel McIndoe
valuable skills.
Seventeen years later, she hasn’t looked back. Upon
“You get to meet people that you wouldn’t usually meet
moving to Wellington after growing up in Auckland and
or see, you develop an understanding and empathy for all
Hamilton, Chloe was working as a carer when she
types of people, as well as an acceptance of differences,
first started volunteering as a counsellor at Youthline in
an understanding of backgrounds, and why people behave
2009. Since then, she has held several roles with the
the way they do.”
organisation. She has been a facilitator for the Youth Development Programme and in volunteer recruitment,
She feels Youthline volunteers could further benefit from
as well as a conveyor and facilitator for the recruitment
their role in the organisation. “I would like our organisation
process. She is currently The Education and Youth
to know each other, not be separated into the groups or
Development Co-ordinator for Youthline Wellington – a role
roles, but be aware of the ability to try out the different
she finds enormously rewarding.
opportunities and volunteer roles taking advantage of what Youthline has to offer volunteers.”
Seeing volunteers, particularly people who have participated in the Youth Development Programme, evolve
She also has definite goals on what she would like
into phone counsellors and eventually youth reps, makes
Youthline to continue with and offer in the future. “I see us
her extremely proud and is one of the best parts of the job.
providing opportunities for our volunteers to connect with
“It is so good seeing people getting into these roles and
other youth services and schools, through hosting annual
knowing they are feeling believed in.”
conferences of relevant youth issues, having a partnership with primary and high schools delivering youth work
Chloe is clearly passionate about youth issues – she is also
programmes. I also see us remaining a strong support in
a trustee for the Wellington Regional Youth Worker Trust,
young people’s lives with a dedicated team of phone, text,
which oversees training and support for over 100 North
email, webchat and face to face counsellors, and making
Island youth workers, and she has recently graduated with
an impact on our volunteer’s lives by fostering friendships,
a Bachelor of Youth Development from Weltec.
self-awareness and self-care.”
She continues to volunteer as a counsellor once a week,
No doubt Youthliners will continue to benefit having
a role she still loves. “It’s such an honour to have people
such a dedicated mentor, and hopefully someday there
trust a stranger [on the phone].” Chloe believes Youthline
will be, amongst other things, the option of face to face
counsellors past and present also benefit from working
counselling at Youthline in Wellington. I look forward to
at Youthline. “Youthline counsellors learn so much from
catching up with Chloe again soon!
working here, as well as counselling others, they take with them knowledge of self care and learn to really look after themselves.” Chloe highly recommends volunteering at Youthline. She feels Youthline training helped her “build confidence and assertiveness, and make new friends,” as well as teaching 18
Inspire
19
Topical
What is the aim of the project? Steer Clear aims to reduce drug related driving harm, targeting young people aged 17 - 24 who smoke cannabis and drive under the influence. Steer Clear shows some of the ways that you put yourself and others at risk when you jump behind the wheel blazed. It also encourages people to think twice and consider
How did the Steer Clear project begin?
the alternatives before driving themselves or letting their
Steer Clear was developed after the NZ Drug Foundation,
friends drive high.
Innovate Change and Curative worked together to determine a social marketing plan to help reduce drug
Who is involved?
related driving harm. The development of this plan mapped
Supported by the NZ Drug Foundation, Steer Clear has
the risks associated with driving under the influence of
been designed and implemented by Curative - a creative
drugs, the most prevalent drugs used before driving, and
agency that only works on projects that create social
the audience who was both most at risk and had the
impact - and innovate change - a social innovation agency
greatest propensity for change.
that identifies and implements new and creative ways to design, deliver and review health and social care
After identifying that the target audience was 17 to 24 year
programmes and services.
olds who smoke cannabis and drive under the influence, a programme of activity was outlined, which set the framing
As both innovate change and Curative believe in co-design
for Steer Clear to begin.
- a process that involves the people for whom a product, service or communication is intended for in its very design
What is the group working on at present? What’s next?
- the ongoing development of Steer Clear has included a
The Steer Clear Development Crew has recently been
number of people who work with young people, and most
looking at what might encourage people to spend a night
importantly a ‘Development Crew’ of 16 young people
at a friend’s place, rather than drive home while high.
aged 17-24 who have helped inform and shape many elements of the project.
Based on these conversations, we’re cooking up the next phase of Steer Clear, which will complement the Dope as Drive, Mind Blown and Real Talk. Watch this space over the next few months…
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YOUNG INNOVATORS COLLECTIVE Heyday met up with Kiran Patel, the Founder and Director
In the words of the collective, YIC’s vision is to see you
of Young Innovators Collective (YIC) after the launch of their
come alive by fulfilling yours and they invite you to share
collective’s website earlier this year.
your vision on the site at www.yic.org.nz .
19-year-old Kiran describes the collective as a place where
The YIC tagline is pretty on point – get connected. Isn’t this
young people can be empowered and inspired to dream
what we’re all looking for at the end of the day, connection
big and take action.
and someone to share our vision with whether it be on a personal or professional level.
YIC is an all access point for young people in Auckland looking for opportunities to thrive and grow and find their
The latest YIC initiative is Let’s Make a Film. The group was
passions.
born out of Kiran’s realisation that he missed not making films and so he made the group into a reality and set it up.
The site offers three contact points, email guidance, clarity sessions and on-going support to achieve your goals
Kiran showcased the website at the Youth Home-grown
and objectives.
Change Makers working group meetup on May 1 to a group of young people and community organisations.
People are encouraged to email YIC with a blurb about what their passion is and then one of the 21 youth advisors will email back and offer advice and some opportunities within their area. The next option – named clarity session is a 45 minute one on one session with a youth advisor to discuss their ideas further and in greater depth for a fee and as a follow on you can opt for ongoing support for the duration of your project.
21
RUNNING FOR A REASON Ben Frith (26) has been part of the running circuit for about four years. It was after he returned from a stint in the UK doing his OE that he sought help for a longstanding ankle injury. He’s a junior Sous Chef and got into cooking when he was 16.
22
Inspire
s never really into track but I used to dooss
but I am getting there through sheer persistence.
How did you get into running? Ben got into running when he was young.
“...Running has kept me away from bad habits like smoking and drinking, and drugs and it’s really given me something
“I needed something to keep me active because I could
to strive for and (it has been great to) belong to a group of
tell that I was going to become a slob and also something
athletes..”
to make me get up in the morning.” Since then he has dedicated his free time to running and “I went through a pretty tough time (while working in
sports.
England). (Running) was the thing that kept me going.” Although he now focuses on trail running. “Going for my run each day got me ready for the day, ready to face these people that I hated, then when I moved to
It is much more pleasant to run along a trail than along
Spain, to get away, it became a daily routine, to make me
Tamaki Drive. There’s less exhaust fumes and more nature
get up in the morning and force me to do something with
on a trail.
my day before I went to work.” His ultimate goal is to run a Marathon in under three hours He used to run down to the beach every day to relax and
and his personal best currently is 3:11.
breathe some fresh air before he went to work. So to break that down for you, he’s aiming to do 10kms in 4 The setback
minutes. He admits it’s relatively quick, especially when your body
He says that on his way back from a holiday in NZ he
decides to stop playing ball at the turn around point at St Helliers.
stopped off in Korea and was running down a hill to see the temples and slipped on some loose stones and injured
He says it’s important to get your body used to the running
his ankle.
so his training consisted of running half marathons (21km) on roads and on tracks.
I came back to Auckland with a pretty serious injury and managed to get semi pain free through physio.
“To take part in multisport and trialthlons I have to force my body to do long days and it helps that I am already
I then re-injured my ankle when I started racing and so I
accustomed to doing that with my day job,” he adds.
had done a half marathon and that is when I came across Bodyneed.
He ran the ASB Auckland Marathon this year and raised money for Breast Cancer NZ.
They helped me get through that period because at the time I was eight weeks out from running a full marathon.
*The Sous Chef is second in authority in a restaurant or kitchen, ranking below the headchef.
He had already signed up to run a full marathon when he injured his ankle. He says Bodyneed helped him with physio and massage and they put him in touch with a running coach to help him train for his competitive running races. Currently he does Pilates once a week at Bodyneed to help with stretching and with muscle development. He says he does a lot of multisport alongside the running. Multisport is a running, cycling and white water kayaking. “I’m fairly successful, but I’m not one of the top athletes 23
Your Story
WAITING FOR THE HOKKAIDO RAIN - By Jae Kim -
Set in the Japanese city, Hokkaido, this creative piece explores
arms of our mother. Kenta soon followed. Our mother
a child’s reaction to his father’s funeral. The story touches on
took us in each arm and stood still for a moment, lost in a
ideas of innocence, grief, memory, and the divide between
thought, or a worry, or a memory. She looked down and
youth and adulthood. At times, young people face events that
turned me around to face her. She adjusted my collar and
they are unable to understand; they tend to imitate the example
sleeves, and gave me what resembled a faint smile. She
of surrounding adults and have difficulty dealing with their
told us that this would be the last time that we could see
emotions. Japan was chosen as the setting for this story because
our father. “Pay your respects to your father, boys.” Her
the Japanese culture is commonly characterised as being
voice was brittle.
reserved and unrevealing of deeper emotions. But this could also be true for the young people of New Zealand, which has one of
She passed us each a flower to place on the casket for the
the highest youth suicide rates. Perhaps our young people, with
final viewing. We waited for the adults, who proceeded to
“stubborn, innocent eyes that would refuse to cry”, need to be
the body with blank faces, like masks. We trailed their path
encouraged to come to terms with their emotions and, if it could
and imitated their expressions. It seemed like the thing
be put this way, be taught to grieve.
to do.
We were sitting under bloated clouds, umbrellas raised
Our mother was the last one to soak in the sight of our
like antennas into the gradually greying sky. Kenta spun
sleeping father, with her hands gathered together in front
his umbrella around, enjoying the blurring of the lines of
of her and shoulders sunken like valleys. Her flower was
the wire frame, while rocking his legs back, forth, back,
gently laid down and then the casket was closed. This
forth on the edge of the wooden temple deck. The deck’s
caused the flicker of the incense smoke, a flicker that took
maroon was worn out from the weight of the history of
me back to before the accident, to the trail of cigarette
mourning feet walking in and out of the temple. The adults
smoke that had always accompanied our father’s presence.
had faces which were more serious than usual and walked around in a solemn black. But to us this was not unlike any
Our father. He had been like a mountain to us, too
other day.
daunting to go near and yet too enormous to ignore. How accustomed we had been to the outline of his
The silence of the morning was broken by the sound of
body as he left the house into the light of the morning,
the bald priest-man chanting the sutra. Kenta hummed
and to the lines of his face as he returned from the trials
inaudibly and mimicked the chant that echoed through the
of each day. But as I sketched his dark rigid eyebrows
temple and into the open. I turned my head from where I
and his broad shoulders and his upright posture in my
was sitting and peered into the temple through the open
memory, an unexplainable feeling began to stir within my
doors. I could make out the shape of our mother bowing in
chest, a feeling that was unknown to my fragile string of
front of the altar. The folds of her black kimono sagged like
experiences. The creases on his forehead would soon be
the bags of rain suspended in the sky.
but creases on my mind. My father, no more than ash.
I abandoned my umbrella to run into the temple, into the
I—we—had not known much about death. We went back
24
out to the deck while the sutra chant was being completed and picked up our umbrellas. We waited for the clouds to burst with rain. Perhaps the rain could inspire tears within the trenches of our eyes. Our stubborn, innocent eyes that would refuse to cry. We hadn’t thought that men were capable of crying. We had never seen our father cry. Businessmen, teachers, priests, shopkeepers, cleaners—no man that we had seen had ever exposed any wisp of weakness or emotion. We didn’t know how to cry. We had learned algebra, kendo, how to beg the gods for blessing, but we had never learned how to cry. And so, as we stood outside the temple, we folded the expanse of our umbrellas and looked up into the grey, almost as if we were waiting for the Hokkaido rain to come and wet the cheeks under our eyes.
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SPOTTED Here’s some very cool causes / initiatives and organisations Heyday has spotted this month. TED TALKS
GEOCITIES-IZERHEYD
Over 1900+ informative and
Turn your favorite websites into an
interesting talks on topic from politics
abomination. Make it look like custom
to art, there something there for
website from the 90’s.
everyone.
A BIT ON THE SIDE Chess Academy If you have never played Chess but wanted to know how or just want to learn new tactics in the game, this is the place to go, and it’s easy and interactive. www.chessacademy.com
Dog Vision
www.ted.com/talks
www.wonder-tonic.com/geocitiesizer
Ever wanted to know how your dog sees an image. Upload
INTERACTIVE MT EVEREST
TIME LAPSE
See what it’s like to climb the full
Check out out time lapse imagery of
length of Mt Everest from base camp
climate change and what man-made
to the summit.
phenomena are doing to our natural environment.
any image and the web site automatically changes the colours to how a dog would see it. www.dog-vision.com
Script Font Change your own hand writing to an easy use able font for your
www.everestavalanchetragedy. com/mt-everest-journey.html
world.time.com/timelapse
own design or to use in word processing.
THE FACE OF FACEBOOK
100,000 STARS
A reminder of how tiny we are
Ever thought how big our universe is
amongst the sea of profile pictures
and how insignificant our little blue
and Facebook pages.
planet is?
www.myfontscript.com
Hemingway App If you are not blessed with the best grammar, then this app is for you. Upload your text and the web site will tell you what needs to be changed as well as suggestions.
app.thefacesoffacebook.com 26
stars.chromeexperiments.com
www.hemingwayapp.com
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A big THANKS to all the people who contributed: So here’s to all our awesome contributors and interviewees. Thanks so much for making this issue truly amazing.
Do you enjoy writing? Photography? Graphic Design? Interviewing cool people? Are you doing something you think other young people would like to know about? Know of someone we should interview? If you are interested in contributing in any way, please email chloe@youthline.co.nz
About Youthline: Since 1970 Youthline has helped youth, families, individuals and communities through counselling, information, youth work, training and leadership development programmes, best practice and advocacy. Youthline is an NZQA registered Private Training Establishment. Phone: 0800 37 66 33 Free Text: 234 Email: talk@youthline.co.nz Web: www.youthline.co.nz