A panel discussion focussed on young people and their opinions
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.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
-
77.1% Yes
-
22% No
-
0.9% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles 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.