The Tasman District Youth Council was formed in 1998 after local young people told the council they wanted to have their voices heard and their interests taken seriously.
On May 31, two youth councillor representatives attended their first formal council committee meeting, joining Tasman’s elected councillors to discuss topics ranging from sport and recreation programmes through to online voting.
The two representatives sat at the council table and had speaking rights at the community development meeting. Although youth councillors have participated in community board meetings since last year, this was the first time they have had the opportunity to take part in a formal committee meeting.
Lani Evans, Community Partnerships Officer TDC, says, “attending committee meetings and interacting with elected councillors gives our youth councillors the opportunity to learn how local government works, and how best to represent youth in order to make a difference.”
Waimea coordinator for Tasman Youth Council, Seth Watson, says, “youth come with opinions and ideas from another angle, so it is great to have their regular input.”
Lani adds that they welcome new members and if anyone is interested in joining and bringing the concerns and needs of the young, local community to light, go to www.tyc.co.nz and join your region.
Youth now have speaking rights at council meetings
Tasman Youth Councillors, from back left, Lily McRae, May Takahashi, Abbie McConnon, Jade Heath-Keen, Alexander Hertwich, Lottie Stow, Connor Betts, Amy Lomas, Alex Bloomberg. Bottom left to right, Hemi Wilson and Pippa Struck at a Youth Hui, held at Whenua Iti, on May 25. Photo: Supplied.
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