South Wairarapa District Council is calling young people (rangatahi) aged 12 to 24 to have a voice and a seat at the table to help shape the future of their communities on a new Youth Council.

The Youth Council was endorsed by the Council’s Strategic Leadership Team to directly support the goals of Wairarapa Youth Strategy (Te Rautaki Rangatahi o Wairarapa) by creating a platform for rangatahi to lead, connect and contribute to decisions that affect their communities.

The Youth Council aims to:

• Reflect Wairarapa Youth Strategy’s commitment to empowering the youth voice

• Foster young leadership

•Ensure rangatahi are actively involved in shaping a vibrant and inclusive Wairarapa

“The Youth Council will be a space for a strong, visible youth voice that is heard where it matters most,” says Alex Taia-Lehmstedt, Council Youth Development Advisor.


Criteria for entry to South Wairarapa Youth Council

• Applicants must be aged 12 to 24 years

• Applicants must live in South Wairarapa

The Youth Council will create opportunities for 10 rangatahi to grow leadership, confidence and professional skills, to connect with community champions, decision makers and collaborate with other youth groups across Wairarapa.

“I look forward to amplifying the voices of the district’s rangatahi. The Youth Council provides a platform to empower and build future leaders, giving them exposure to democracy and governance. Getting young people interested in politics can have a ripple effect by enabling our young people to engage with decisions that impact them and their futures.”

Keen to apply?

If you or someone you know is keen to be on South Wairarapa Youth Council, please respond by midday on Friday 22 November, providing the following information:

• Name, age and location

• A short paragraph or two about your passion, ideas and what you can bring to the table

• Email your information to: alex.lehmstedt@swdc.govt.nz

If more than 10 strong applications are received, brief interviews may be held to support the final selection. The first meeting of the new Youth Council is planned to be held at the Featherston Community Centre this year when the 10 positions have been filled.