Featuring Labour MP Jacinda Ardern and Green MP Marama Davidson, a group of Auckland University of Technology students have created a documentary which details the shocking extent of New Zealand’s youth homelessness problem.
Currently more than 20,000 young New Zealanders do not have permanent, safe and secure accommodation.
“Youth homelessness is a fundamental abuse of basic human rights,” says Green MP Marama Davidson.
The documentary will be screened on Wednesday the 18th of January at the Auckland University of Technology City Campus. A panel discussion will also be held on the night, with social policy analyst Alan Johnson of the Salvation Army, Angela Maynard from the Tenancy Protection Association and former Human Rights Commissioner, Professor Judy McGregor.
One of the participants in the documentary is twenty-three-year-old Ben who lived rough in Auckland and Wellington’s streets for four years.
“I contemplated why I should even be alive right now, when I can’t even put a roof over my head”.
The documentary titled ‘On Our Doorstep: A Voice for Homeless Youth’ will feature the perspectives of homeless young people like Ben, as well as insights of those working on the front line.
More than 41,000 New Zealanders are homeless. Over half of the homeless population is under 25.
Event: ‘A Voice for Homeless Youth’
Who: Master of Human Rights, Auckland University of Technology
When: Wednesday 18 January, 2017, 6pm – 8pm
Where: Auckland University of Technology City Campus, Room WA224A (The Conference Room)
Cost: Free
