Te Rautaki Rangatahi o Wairarapa: Wairarapa Youth Strategy

What it means for rangatahi

• We have pride in who we are in Wairarapa
• Our culture and identity (including gender and sexuality) are visible and represented in our region – no matter who we are
• There is space for us to celebrate who we are
• Te Ao Māori is an important part of our country and who we are
• We want to understand Te Ao Māori and how we can learn more

What it means for Council

Council provides a range of opportunities for rangatahi to express themselves and for communities to celebrate their diversity. Council encourages inclusivity. Council recognises Te Tīriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and customary rights of mana whenua.

What it means for rangatahi

• We have facilities and spaces that we can be active in across the region. Facilities and spaces are fit for purpose and looked after.
• There are opportunities to participate in sports, recreation and events across the Wairarapa region.
• We can access a range of activities regardless of our abilities.

What it means for Council

Councils provide a range of opportunities, facilities and spaces for sport, recreation, arts and culture, which are easy for rangatahi to take up. Councils consider the needs of disabled/ whaikaha rangatahi when making decisions about spaces and facilities.

What is means for rangatahi

• Violence and bullying need to stop in our community
• We are safe from the impacts and peer pressure of drugs, smoking and vaping
• There are safe, inclusive, and accepting spaces across our region that we can be ourselves in
• We can work together to support one another to make our community safe
• We can get home safely no matter where we live

What is means for Council

Councils create safe communities and welcoming places for rangatahi and their families and whānau, which fosters a sense of belonging.

What it means for rangatahi

• Connecting with one another is easy in our region, and we can do this online or in person
• We can find the information we need in the ways we need it
• We can come together through events and other opportunities with our community
• There are a range of transport options across our region      

What it means for Council

Councils provide information that rangatahi need, in ways they can best access and understand it.
Councils provide opportunities for our community and rangatahi to come together. Councils advocate for efficient, affordable, reliable, and safe transport so that rangatahi can get to the places, and use the services and facilities, they wish to.

What it means for rangatahi

• We can lead our own initiatives to combating climate change and supporting the health of our environment and waterways
• We work together to reduce our waste
• We look after our parks and green spaces and enjoy living in clean and beautiful neighbourhoods

What it means for Council

Councils support waste reduction and are committed to reducing and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Councils support initiatives for rangatahi to be involved in to improve our environment.

What it means for rangatahi

• We can have our say and know how to do this
• We hear what opportunities are out there for us
• Youth representation is important and reflected across the Wairarapa equally
• We are empowered to lead

What is means for Council

Councils create opportunities for rangatahi to actively engage in decision-making on policies, plans, projects and initiatives that affect them, and give them a leadership role. Councils empower rangatahi to champion solutions for their communities.

What it means for rangatahi

• We know where to go for help and support in our community
• We are treated fairly regardless of culture, gender or sexuality
• We can access a range of services locally to support our wellbeing
• Cost is not a barrier for us when we need our basic needs met

What it means for Council

Councils work with rangatahi and their partners to create healthy environments and provide access to services for rangatahi.

Rangatahi are valued members of our community and the councils are committed to ensuring that they have opportunities to positively participate in council and community affairs and are supported to reach their full potential.

Having a Rangatahi Strategy in place assists councils to promote the wellbeing of rangatahi within our communities.

Having a joint strategy enables the Wairarapa District Councils to take a co-ordinated approach in the work we do to support rangatahi in the Wairarapa. It sets out a common framework across the region so we can collaborate on making the Wairarapa a great place for rangatahi to grow and thrive.

Each council will be responsible for their own implementation plans and these will be published alongside the Strategy.

The Wairarapa District Councils are committed to working together where possible to deliver on this strategy. As a minimum across the seven priority areas Councils will share information and decision making with each other, about:

• funding support for rangatahi
• facility developments/infrastructure
• training and development opportunities for staff and rangatahi
• partnerships and networks that support rangatahi development.

There will also opportunities for us to collaborate and partner with mana whenua, community groups, agencies, and wider community to deliver on the intent of this strategy.

You can get in touch with our Community Development Team. We can connect you with the right people in council, connect you with a community group or help you to connect with our grants or external funding.