Gore Mayor Ben Bell listens to the Feedback of St Peter's College Students at the council-led workshop on Friday. Photo: Gemma Sinclair Food festivals, public Wi-Fi and a small shopping mall are at the top of the wish list for a future Gore, a group of students told receptive Gore District councillors last week. The St Peter’s College students voiced their views on what they thought were the strengths, weaknesses and the future of Gore at the council-led workshop on Friday. The workshop was part of the council’s engagement with the community on its long-term plan and aimed to gather information on what the district’s young people wanted the Southland town to be like in 30 years’ time. “There’s a lot of hope in the community, especially from young people,” Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said. ‘‘They’ve got lots of ideas, lots of change that they want to see.’’ Speaking on behalf of the school’s English for speakers of other languages class, Arzen Baua, 15, Cody Eslava and Noah Berrio, both 14, said more cultural events, such as food festivals and multicultural celebrations, public Wi-Fi in key areas and “even a small shopping mall” would meet the needs of young people. A public transport service between Mataura and Gore and more cycle lanes would also benefit young people, Noah said. Geography students Jude Terry and Eli Puna, both 16, gave a PowerPoint presentation detailing their ideas to improve the district. Their suggestions included fixing potholes and introducing more cafes, shops and events such as markets. They also wanted an upgrade to the BMX track in Hamilton Park.
