United Future New Zealand   Guiding Principles

Summaries of United Future's position papers are available by clicking a link below
1. General Principles
2. Education
3. Health
4. Drug Abuse & Dependency
5. Finding Futures
6. Golden Plan for Positive Ageing
7. Economy
8. Treaty Issues
9. Law and Order
10. Caring for Kids
11. Young New Zealanders
12. Immigration
13. Information Technology
14. Environment
15. Transport
16. Arts & Culture
17. Local Government
18. Emergency Services
19. Foreign Affairs & Defence
20. Government that Works



young new zealanders
Position summaries on young new zealanders are also available for:


Young New Zealanders is United Future New Zealand's policy statement for young people aged 11-20. There is no escaping the fact that many young people are disadvantaged, insecure and confused. United is committed to breaking the cycle of disadvantage by investing in the young adolescent and working with them to develop a strong sense of self-responsibility, family and community.

The well-being of families and communities, social stability and law and order depend on all age groups in New Zealand taking responsibility. United will support lawful community initiatives aimed at ensuring our streets are safe.

UNITED FUTURE WILL

  • Support awards and competitions which encourage and recognise the achievement of young people in sport, the arts and academically. In particular, United will develop a scholarship fund, in association with the private sector, for young achievers.
  • Empower agencies to call in parents, kaumatua, and social workers, and work with the courts to get young offenders into diversion programmes or community work.
  • Establish appropriate custodial and rehabilitative sentences for persistent young offenders.
  • Set the legal drinking age at 18 without exemption.
  • Heavily fine liquor salespeople who supply under age drinkers.
  • Encourage safety on the roads by:
    • instituting driver education in schools
    • setting zero blood alcohol levels for all drivers under 25 years.
  • Encourage and support the co-ordination and support of community programmes and official policies aimed at preventing youth suicide.
  • Establish regional youth forums involving health, education, police, justice, and welfare agencies, and youth representatives to:
    • review current policies and the delivery of programmes affecting young people
    • determine priorities for action and the effectiveness of existing programmes available for young people
    • review current research and assess priorities for future research
    • examine the coordination of the agencies involved in working with children and young people and make recommendations on the provision of services.

Notable Points
  • Appropriate custodial and rehabilitative sentences for persistent young offenders.
  • Legal drinking age of 18.
  • Driver education in schools.
  • Support for programmes and policies aimed at preventing youth suicide.
  • Regional youth forums.
  • A review of current research and assessment of priorities for future research.
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