Te Rautaki Rangatahi o Wairarapa: Wairarapa Youth Strategy

In April and May 2023, the South Wairarapa, Masterton, Carterton District Councils and adopted the Te Rautaki Rangatahi o Wairarapa: Wairarapa Youth Strategy. It is the first time all three councils have come together to develop a common vision for rangatahi (youth) across the Wairarapa.

Rangatahi (12-24 year olds) 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.

Purpose

The purpose of the Te Rautaki Rangatahi o Wairarapa: Wairarapa Youth Strategy is to highlight what is important to rangatahi and support their development through the provision of services, facilities, and activities delivered by the Wairarapa District Councils. It is a lens that Councils can use when delivering to, or working with, rangatahi in the region across all the work we do.

Rangatahi-Centred Priorities

The Strategy sets out seven priorities that rangatahi in the Wairarapa region have identified and what Council can do to respond to and support their core needs and aspirations. Through its priorities and actions, Councils are striving to enhance the mana of rangatahi so that they have opportunities to grow, develop and reach their full potential.

We want to celebrate who we are – Kia whakanuia tō mātou tuakiritanga

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.

We want to be active – Kia mauri oho mātou

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.

We need to feel safe – Kia rongo mātou i te haumarutanga

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.

We need to connect – Kia whakakotahi mātou

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.

We need to protect our environment – Kia tiakina tō tātou taiao

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.

We have a voice and can use it – He reo tō mātou, ka whakamahia

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.

We need to be supported, and support one another – Ka tautokohia mātou, ā, ka tautokohia e mātou

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.

Background

How did the strategy come about?

We took a co-development approach with rangatahi to the strategy review. In August – September 2022 we engaged with 28 rangatahi groups and schools across the Wairarapa reaching over 1,300 rangatahi. We received over 3,000 suggestions on ways to make Wairarapa a great region where young people thrive.

How can youth get involved?

We have an initial plan for year one (2023/24) which sets out some of the things we’re already planning to do for rangatahi over the next 12 months. There are always opportunities for rangatahi to provide suggestions and input for further ideas.

Once you have a read of the Strategy, if you think of any specific ideas that you want to see in our community, or would like to help with some of our plans you can:

  • Seek advice from 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 such as TiraRangatahi or Trust House.
  • Register interest in joining a Youth Focus Group or become a Youth Advisory Representative on our Community Boards. To find out more about this, contact our Community Development Team.
  • Provide us feedback when we consult on matters such as the Long Term Plan or other policies or strategies. We are always eager to hear from a broad range of people in our community.
  • Present to Council or connect with one of our Elected Members. There are opportunities to present to council through public forum at council meetings. You can watch our previous meetings online to get a feel for how they run. You can read more information about Public Forums here.

Implementation

What does this Strategy mean for our community and agencies who work with youth?

Having a joint strategy enables the Wairarapa District Councils to take a coordinated 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. We look forward to collaborating and partnering with mana whenua, community groups, agencies and wider community to deliver on the intent of this strategy.

The Strategy is supported by implementation plans for each council and identifies a range of projects within them. The projects or initiatives identified for year 1 (2023/24) are within current financial baselines and planned work.

FAQs

Why does Council have a Youth Strategy?

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.

How will it work in practice?

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.

I have an idea for an initiative – where do I go? Who can I contact to talk to about this?

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.

Documents

Te Rautaki Rangatahi o Wairarapa: Wairarapa Youth Strategy [PDF]

Page Reader Press Enter to Read Page Content Out Loud Press Enter to Pause or Restart Reading Page Content Out Loud Press Enter to Stop Reading Page Content Out Loud Screen Reader Support