• Henry Pivac
  • Henry Pivac

Being Millennial - Henry Pivac

Teenager at Rosmini College, community and youth leader, passionate about Shore Junction...

We are profiling ‘Millennials' in this, our first issue for 2018. What exactly is a Millennial you might ask? The answer is they are Teenagers, 20 and 30 year olds who were born in the 80s and 90s. They’ve also been called 'Generation Y’.
Millennials are generally regarded as being more open-minded, accepting, confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat and receptive to new ideas and ways of living. Millennials are often cited as being more self-assured than past generations, they will also have a strong sense of civic responsibility, a healthy work-life balance and have socially liberal views. The generation is generally marked by an increased use and familiarity with communications, media, and digital technologies.
On the downside they've been described as lazy, narcissistic and prone to jump from job to job. Portrayed as wanting flexible work schedules, more 'me time’ on the job and seek nonstop feedback and career advice. The have also been called the ‘Generation Me', with more of an emphasis on extrinsic values such as money, fame, and image, and less emphasis on intrinsic values such as self-acceptance, group affiliation and community.
The Channel Magazine team set out to find some answers and talked to six local North Shore people who span the Millennial range. From a teenager at school through to a business person running his own firm. Also in our Millennial mix is an Olympic gold medalist, an actor, a marketer and politician and young lawyer.

Channel Magazine: Please share your story so far. What are the highlights for you?
Henry Pivac: In 2015 at 13 years old, I joined the Devonport Takapuna youth board (now known as Younite). Throughout my time with the board I have organised and been involved with a variety of youth-oriented events. Having enjoyed this challenge, I ran for and was elected as chair of Younite for 2018. I have also been appointed as student representative of the Board of Trustees for my school, Rosmini College, beginning this year.
A highlight of this time would be my involvement in the Shore Junction project. I’ve been fortunate to be part of the steering committee, working to deliver a youth innovation hub to the North Shore. The aim of the building is to be a revolutionary space, with technology and resources such as recording studios and robotics labs, this space will allow young innovators to develop their skills and knowledge and provide a clear pathway towards university. I hope to see out completion of the project in 2018 and look forward to seeing it in use.

CM: What is your passion and where will it take you in 2018 and beyond?
HP:
I have a passion for leadership and advocating for the youth in an adult dominated landscape. For now, my passion is directed at my community and school in Takapuna, the suburb i was born and raised in. I also have a passion for technology and sustainability and hope to further my knowledge and skill set in the years to come.  

CM: It’s Valentine’s Day this month, will you celebrate this and if so, how?
HP:
I don’t have any plans for this Valentine's but would welcome applications. 

CM: What would be your dream shore day out and who would you share it with?
HP:
My dream day would start with a swim at Thorne Bay in Minnehaha Avenue, Takapuna, followed by lunch at one of Taka’s eateries. A BBQ at home in Takapuna with my family would round out the day. 

CM: What do you see as the most important trends in 2018 and how would they impact on you?
HP:
New Zealand’s change in government has sparked several positive changes for the youth in New Zealand, such as increased funding for education and a greater spend on youth issues such as teen suicide. By putting the spotlight on youth, we have a platform to make changes where they are needed and to excel. 

CM: What does being a millennial mean to you?
HP:
Being a millennial, we have instant access to a huge amount of information and the ability to communicate effortlessly at any time, day or night. Access to information makes us self starters and less dependent on others. We need to find a way to leverage the benefits of technology while developing a sustainable future for future generations.  

CM: What are the pros and cons of being a millennial?
HP:
A pro is that previous boundaries have been broken down, such as the ease of travel, ability to study in different parts of the world and access to endless information.
Another pro is that millennials have been shaped by opportunity. We constantly hear the success stories of our era’s entrepreneurs, like Mark Zuckerberg encouraging us to pursue our dreams and desired occupations.
A con is that technology, to me, can act as a double edged sword, as millennials are often less present in the moment and look for instant gratification via social media.
Another con is that with all the resources and guides available to millennials today, we are given higher expectations to achieve.