Local government is one possible stream of funding for a Central Otago youth programme that could be used as a model throughout the country, Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson says.
Dr Macpherson attended the launch of "The Living Challenge" in Alexandra this week and praised the working group that came up with the programme, which aims to help at-risk youth.
"I think it's great and something like this, for at-risk youth, is long overdue," Dr Macpherson said.
He suggested local government as a source of funding for the project, which could be used as a model throughout the country, if successful.
"The Mayors Taskforce [For Jobs] could be one of your sources for funding . . . we're always looking for projects like this."
Local government was a source of funding "not because we want to interfere, but because this is well done and you're using local skills and local expertise".
"This is filling a need in the community - there's no question in my mind. That's a no-brainer."
Dr Macpherson said he had no doubt the programme would succeed because "all the key players support it".
Its co-ordinated approach and use of existing skills and existing adventure-based activities were the other keys to its success.
