Wairarapa Rangatahi Youth Strategy

The South Wairarapa, Masterton and Carterton district councils recognise the importance of having rangatahi (youth) voices contributing to council decision making.

To reflect this commitment, they are reviewing the Wairarapa Rangatahi Strategy 2016-2021, a five-year programme initially developed between Carterton and Masterton district councils. This review will include South Wairarapa district, and deliver a revised strategy and new action plan.

It is important that rangatahi (those 12-24 years old) are at the centre of this project and help drive and shape the strategy and action plan for the councils. If you are interested in knowing more, sign up to receive updates below.

This review provides an opportunity for rangatahi to:

• assist and advise the three Wairarapa District Councils on how to help grow a great region where young people thrive
• help the three Wairarapa District Councils identify key barriers and issues for youth in our region
• connect with decision makers to make sure they know the youth perspective and how best to work alongside youth
• help the three Wairarapa District Councils prioritise what they should do for youth.

Kōrero Mai – Share your ideas!

We’ve started having workshops with some rangatahi groups already in our community.

We’ve been coming to places where young people are over August and September so they could tell us their ideas. You might see us at school, your workplace or online.

If you’ve got ideas, submit your thoughts at the Masterton District Council Rangatahi Youth Strategy page before 30 September.

Why a youth strategy is important

New Zealand Aotearoa is changing rapidly. Just over 15 per cent of the region is aged between 12-24 years and this age group sits within an ageing population as well as lower than national average rates of education, employment and incomes. The region’s large geographical area and small overall population also affects how younger people are dispersed, and their access to services and opportunities.

The Wairarapa Rangatahi Development Strategy 2016-2021

The WRDS focused on strengthening the youth voice and their potential. It outlined a strategy for district councils to work with the rangatahi development and services sector, to maximise their community development, funding and partnership resources for the benefit of youth.

The WRDS was developed by

• a peer review of the original Wairarapa Youth Development Strategy 2012-2014
• a review of this earlier strategy with local stakeholders in August 2015
• community consultation in February-April 2016
• meetings between district council officers

The key focus was for the Wairarapa district councils to work together more closely to build their capability for rangatahi development. It involved youth across the district, in particular through the Wairarapa Youth Council and Rangatahi Tu Rangatira. However, it was deemed vital that rangatahi were central to the development of the strategy moving forward.

Goals of WRDS

• Strengthening Rangatahi Voice: Rangatahi positively participate in council and community affairs. Rangatahi are valued members of our community and the Wairarapa District Councils are committed to ensuring their participation in the democratic process. This outcome will be achieved by actively seeking the advice, participation and meaningful engagement in civic and community affairs of rangatahi – with special consideration given to those not traditionally heard by councils.
• Supporting Rangatahi Potential: Wairarapa rangatahi are supported to reach their full potential and grow into vibrant, optimistic and connected adults.
  Rangatahi are our future citizens and the Wairarapa District Councils are committed to ensuring that they are supported with positive environments and opportunities to reach their full potential. This will be achieved through councils sharing information and decision-making in the areas of rangatahi community development, partnerships and funding.

Objectives of WRDS

• We know our rangatahi.
  a. Ensure all rangatahi engagement follows best national and international practice with special reference to indigenous models and research
  b. Create or source a detailed demographic profile of rangatahi that maps the diversity of the community (ethnicity, gender, location, abilities, access, etc), strengths and struggles of these communities, now and into the future.
  
  2. A strong Wairarapa Youth Council.
  a. Review the Wairarapa Youth Council to identify its successes and potential to become a valued source of guidance for the district councils, government agencies and community sector.
  b. Resource and support the Youth Council to ensure their voice is politically and operationally embedded in council and community affairs.
  
  3. We listen to our rangatahi.
  a. Map the existing avenues that represent rangatahi voice and aspirations to Wairarapa decision makers and identify representation gaps
  b. Work with local rangatahi and Maori development organisations to create rangatahi forums to fill representation gaps

Youth Organisations

Wairarapa Whanau Trust
www.wairarapawhanautrust.com

Mayors Task Force for Jobs – Youth employment
www.mayorstaskforceforjobs.co.nz

Tuia Leadership Programme
www.mayorstaskforceforjobs.co.nz/our-work/tuia-and-mtfj-rangatahi/

Youth Reps on Community Boards
Contact Kaitlyn at the Council if you are interested in becoming a youth rep on our community boards, 06 306 9611

Youth Councils
The Masterton and Carterton Youth Councils are youth-led groups. We want people representing the different viewpoints and backgrounds of Wairarapa youth, who have an interest in Wairarapa and Youth topics. We run events, meet with local councils, help with other youth and agencies. attend trainings, hold conferences, the list goes on and on. If you would like to play a part, please get in contact we are always looking for new members, the only requirement is you need to be between 12 and 24 years old.
youthcouncil@mstn.govt.nz
cartertonyouthcouncil@cdc.govt.nz

Shift
Councils work collaboratively alongside The Shift Foundation (aimed at young women in Wellington aged 12-20 years) to deliver Shift in the Wairarapa, https://www.shiftnz.org/