Chance to engage youth at Pizza and Politics night

Whether or not pineapple belongs on a pizza was not the topic of discussion at the Pizza and Politics event at Central Cinema in Alexandra yesterday.

The event, organised by Puna Rangatahi, allowed the area’s young people to hear from Central Otago’s mayoral and council candidates as well as those standing for the Vincent Community Board.

Topics such as the environment and youth engagement were discussed and candidates spoke about how, if elected, they would address the issues.

Unlike a typical meet-the-candidates event, the session was much more light-hearted, with candidates often making jokes — with pizza served afterwards.

Central Otago Youth Council vice-chairman George Lindsay said the event allowed politicians to engage with youth, which was typically a demographic with low engagement in politics.

Event attendee Alex Scott said while he was too young to vote, he attended the meeting to see what the potential future vision for Central Otago could look like.

ella.jenkins@odt.co.nz