Youth Rōpū set their priorities for the year
Our 2024 Youth Rōpū has seen a bit of a refresh, with 11 of its 19 members new this year.
Spanning ages from 14 to 22, and spread from Timaru to Culverden, the majority of Rōpū members are students at various high schools across the region and tertiary institutions Ara/Te Pūkenga, Lincoln University and University of Canterbury.
The executive spots
Co-chairs Jolie Sarginson, 19, and Amanda Kennedy, 17, have both been members of the Rōpū for the past two years and are excited about stepping up into their leadership roles.
Amanda is very passionate about the Youth Rōpū. “It is an amazing platform to engage young people with local government as well as to support and uplift them. It provides us with the opportunity to engage with decision-makers all the way up the tree and challenge them to take action on issues that matter to young people,” she said.
Rounding out the executive roles are Shelby Allan as Deputy Chair and Mazaiah Isaako Tuala, 16, as Secretary.
Co-chairs: Jolie Sarginson (left) represents Mana Whenua and Amanda Kennedy represents Christchurch West/Ōpuna.
The new faces
The Rōpū has strong representation from South Canterbury with three of their new members hailing from the region.
North Canterbury is well represented by Tamzyn Murdoch, 16, who also sits on the Hurunui Youth Council.
Some of these members have joined the Rōpū with the aim of ensuring that smaller town voices are considered in decision making.
“Small towns aren’t always recognised, mainly just the big cities like Auckland and Christchurch” said Maziah of Timaru. “I would love to help our youth, connecting and speaking about our opinions that means the most to us, to increase our wellbeing and engaging more with what matters to us young generations.”
2024 priorities
The new Rōpū has come together, fresh-faced and energised to get stuck into achieving as much as they can. Already they have set some meaningful objectives for themselves. These include:
- Developing the new Public Transport Youth Reference Group
- Increasing engagement with young people in South Canterbury
- Civics education focussed on the role of local government
- Communications and engagement through social media platforms and podcast, including a campaign on the Long-Term Plan
- Strengthening connections with tīma Tuia and Papatipu Rūnanga
- Building a mana whenua representative alumni network
- Environmental mahi related to our coasts.
Future opportunities
The Youth Rōpū has been a great launching pad for many to get involved and make a difference for the environment in their communities.
Former co-chair Alice Docking has been appointed a role on the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee.
“I was particularly interested in the Selwyn Waihora Water Zone Committee due to my involvement in the District over the last five years, through Te Whare Wanaka o Aoraki (Lincoln University),” Alice said.
“In the role, I can apply my studies, utilise my existing youth networks and advocate for youth voices to be considered and valued in local-body decision-making. I hope to facilitate conversations between the Committee and rangatahi in the district. This is important to me, as youth are disproportionately affected by the outcomes of climate change.”
“I hope to bring fresh perspectives to the Water Zone Committee when approaching these challenges.”
Make sure you follow the Youth Rōpū on Instagram if you want to keep up with what they’re doing.