Teenagers shadow councillor

Two teenagers are getting a taste of life in the city's corridors of power this week.

Merivale resident Arihia Hill, 19, and Manu Tepere, 16, of Welcome Bay, are sampling what it's like to be a councillor.

The pair are shadowing councillor Terry Molloy for the week and learning about the inner workings of Tauranga City Council as well as having a bit of fun.

They have been to visit councillor Tony Christiansen at his home, gone to Minden Lookout and tested their skills on the Adrenaline Forest at TECT All Terrain Park.

"It was awesome as,'' said Arihia.

There has also been plenty of business.

"Monday was just meeting, meeting, meeting but that was interesting; all the discussions,'' she said.

Arihia was at the Merivale Community Centre when she heard about the chance to shadow Mr Molloy and jumped at it.

Manu was nominated by a Housing Corporation staff member who saw potential in him.

Arihia said she was amazed by the councillors' workloads.

"I knew nothing about the council before. I just can't believe how much stuff they do. I'm blown away actually,'' Arihia said.

The experience has not inspired her to be a councillor but a job with the council did appeal.

"Maybe not as a councillor but working with them. I'd like to do planning stuff and projects,'' she said.

Mr Molloy said the week was a motivational exercise.

"It's just to take kids who are at a bit of a loose end and just show them what the possibilities are,'' he said.

He added he was hoping other councillors and city partners might join the scheme.