Huihui NGA Tamariki

I thank Ross Macrae for the effort he put into providing the students at Victoria with his comment-cum-guff sheet on the approaching National Youth Conference, (Huihuinga Tamariki). In defence against the opposition that has been expressed by certain members of N.Z.U.S.A., Ross tells us that support has erupted from some surprising and varied sources, including several Polynesian groups, trade unions, school bodies, (etc)! I would like to know which Polynesian groups' have given their support to Huihuinga Tamariki Nga Tamatoa, for one, was ecstatic at this display of duo-cultural expertise, we can guess the reaction from other 'Polynesian groups' that Ross seems so sure that he has supporting him.

If he really wants reasons why many are dubious about the usefulness of the conference, consider these points. One aim is to have occupational representativeness (-ativity is not a word), so why hold the conference in July-August holidays when it is at a time that favours the attendance of students. To be fair to the supposed sacrifice of a week's pay a young wage earner would experience, there should be just as many factors to consider on the student attender's part. Thus a date in mid to late July would be fair for both wage earners and students alide, as both would experience mutual difficulties. Whether the conference can guarantee to have verbally fluent, articulate, and social issue-solving delegates remains to be seen - personally I feel that such criteria are perhaps relevant using a university value system, but if you expect all Kiwi youth to measure up accordingly, then the organisers are floating around in some Utopia.

If the conference is to be a meeting point and talking point of young people, we should examine the national preoccupation, apathy, and then ask if such a thing as envisaged is practicable. How many of the friends you went to secondary school with are to the best of your knowledge involved in discussing social issues? How many are actively involved in politics, or issue-specific organisations? To quote an Ancient Kiwi Proverb, 'If you want to know what a man is up to, watch his feet as well as his mouth.' The organisers would do well to consult with the N.Z. Racing Clubs, the N.Z. Breweries and the N.Z. Rugby Football Union if they really want to appeal to a wide sector of Kiwi Youth. Otherwise acknowledge that they are attempting the impossible.