Join the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū for 2026

If you’re a young person aged 14–24 who wants to make a difference for the environment and your community, the Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū is your chance to take action, grow your leadership skills, and influence real decisions.

The Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū (EYR) is a group of rangatahi (young people) who are enthusiastic about advocating for the environment, civics education, and empowering young people. If you join, you'll work alongside Councillors, staff, and community groups to guide decision-making, run youth-led events, and champion environmental action across Waitaha Canterbury.

About the Youth Rōpū

The Youth Rōpū is made up of 16 rangitahi from across the region:

• Two representatives from each constituency
• Two mana whenua representatives
• You can check what constituency you're in using our constituency map.
• We can accept applications for general member positions, so apply even if your constituency has two representatives already.

How the Youth Rōpū works

You'll meet fortnightly to discuss projects, plan events, and share your perspective:

• Every second meeting: in person at our Tuam Street office on Sunday afternoons
• Alternating meetings: online on a weekday afternoon
• You'll also be able to access free training and development opportunities through Youth Voice Canterbury

Get involved in key issues facing our region

As part of the 2026 Rōpū, you’ll dive into real issues shaping our region. Previous members have:

• advocated for youth members on our committees and advisory groups
• spoken directly to decision makers for public transport planning
• built youth networks across the region and represented Waitaha nationally
• met regularly with Councillors and staff to share youth perspectives
• taken practical action through tree planting, clean-ups, and community projects.

What you'll gain from joining

You’ll connect with like-minded rangatahi, grow your confidence, and explore future career pathways.

• Creative freedom: run your own events with support from our Youth and Engagement Education team
• Grow professionally: you'll have opportunities to develop through conferences and leadership training
• Connect to te ao Māori (the Māori world): attend noho marae and build cultural understanding
• Make a difference: you can help shape environmental decisions in Waitaha Canterbury.

Apply now

Ready to step up and shape the future of Waitaha? Apply for the Youth Rōpū 2026 intake. Applications close 14 December 2025.