Marlborough Youth Trust – “You Sorted” Emergency Preparedness Film

Marlborough Youth Trust (MYT) coordinated and supported a Civil Defence training weekend for young people at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Woodbourne Base. 20 rangatahi spent the weekend on the base which was a wonderful opportunity to gain a better understanding around the work of the New Zealand Defence Force, how emergency services operate in a civil emergency, and how young people can serve the community either as a volunteer or in the course of their careers. 

Following on from this experience, rangatahi were encouraged to participate in the creation of an emergency preparedness film. This was an interactive way to support them to develop their civil defence leadership skills, and provided them with an opportunity to showcase what readiness and preparedness looks like in a way that was relatable to their peers. It allowed them to demonstrate how they can be accountable for their own safety, and also for the safety of others such as family members and friends.

The Marlborough Youth Trust Advisory Group and young people involved with the Top of the South Film group provided insight into what works best in terms of getting an educational message to young people. The consensus was to incorporate a sense of humour! From there, rangatahi came up with a zombie apocalypse theme, noting that many of the required safety and readiness preparation initiatives were the same, no matter what the civil emergency context was.

The script for the film, “You Sorted”, was written by Chris Lippiatt, a member of the Top of the South Film Makers Collective. Aaron Falvey was the Director, and Daniel Wye and Simi Mataitonga were responsible for camera and sound. Young people took on roles such as acting, producing, and make-up, with the filming taking place around Marlborough. Vita Elworthy, Maiyah Renee, Luka Coura and Max Kenny were the four young people who won the starring roles.

The film provided an opportunity for rangatahi to challenge each other around their own emergency readiness, with young people stepping into teaching roles as they coached other young people around being individually prepared. “You Sorted” was also entered into the youth category of the Top of the South Film Festival which took place in early November. This festival brings together the best and most promising filmmakers and actors from Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions. A large contingent of young people, MYT youth workers, MYT Trustees and volunteers attended the festival’s grand opening. Feedback from the young people who attended the red carpet event included delight at seeing themselves on the big screen as well as satisfaction at how professional the film looked. 

“This has been a wonderful way to enhance the creative pathways for young people to connect with the Top of the South Film collective. It’s especially great for those who are aged 16 years and older to have another community to belong to outside of college and work,” says Jo Lane, Manager - Marlborough Youth Trust.