Wairoa’s recently launched Youth Council initiative has drawn 12 nominations.

The Wairoa Youth Council has been created by the Wairoa District Council to provide an independent youth voice to support the decision-making process at Local Government level.

Nominations closed on Monday with all eight geographical areas of the Wairoa district having a nominee put forward.

A selection panel, comprising Mayor Craig Little, Cr Melissa Kaimoana, Cr Danika Goldsack and interim chief executive Kitea Tipuna will meet over the next week to determine the 2021 youth council members.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little described the youth council as a fresh approach for Wairoa which will provide Council with the opportunity to hear rangatahi thoughts on the impacts of Council’s decisions on their own generation as the future ratepayers of Wairoa.

“A Youth Council brings Wairoa in line with what other Council’s around the country are trying to achieve.”

A key role of the group will be to assist Council with its planning processes and projects, with a focus on the provision of services and facilities that have a potential impact on young people. It will also be a vehicle for identifying local youth needs and resources and develop youth leadership skills through experience of representation processes, local government and civic activities.

Youth Council members must be aged between 16 and 25 years of age and live within the boundaries of the Wairoa district. Members will be appointed for a three-year term in-line with local government elections timeframes.

The Wairoa Youth Council will meet every six weeks from February to December, and as required, and will report to the Wairoa District Council.

2 December 2020

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