White Elephant Ready to Rock

Radio station set up after tragedy

A youth radio station and a police liaison group have been set up since the Edgeware Road tragedy.

A conference was held on June 16 in response to two teenagers’ deaths outside a St Albans party in May. More than 100 young people fromaround Christchurch discussed inter-generation communication, along with the need for a central youth venue, a wider range of organised events and an outlet for the youth voice.

Five months on and Christchurch youths had something to be proud of, said youth organisation White Elephant (WE) Trust administrator Matthew Glanville.

A youth radio station, WE Radio, has been streaming online for just over a month and next week will have a frequency across the city.

Glanville said it would apply for a national frequency next year.

More than 40 young DJs and show hosts run the station, which broadcasts around the clock.

A committee has also secured a “silent investor” to renovate a central city building and create a new youth venue.

Due to open in six months, it would be a cafe by day and all-age nightclub by night, Glanville said.

The trust has started offering event management services for teenagers wanting to hold birthday parties that do not get out of control.

For a small donation, a team of young people could organise security, music and lighting for a safe and fun event, Glanville said.

All-age parties are being held at venues around Canterbury, showcasing young bands and DJs, and the trust publishes a safe-party guide withtips on how to keep house parties trouble-free.

“We are trying to make sure there’s enough attractive events on so house parties aren’t always going to be the first option.

“It’s going to be a busy summer,” Glanville said.

© The Press 1/1/2009.
This material remains © Fairfax New Zealand Limited and is only to be used for non-commercial personal or research use. Any other use requires permission of the copyright holder.