Welcoming our 2025 Youth Rōpū
Last week, some of our staff welcomed returning and new members of our Youth Rōpū, a body of people aged 14-24 who are strong advocates for the environment and empowerment of young people across Waitaha Canterbury.
Council Chair Craig Pauling welcomed the group in reo Māori before Toitū Waitaha – our waiata (song) – was sung.
Everyone who would be working closely with the Rōpū was given the opportunity to introduce themselves, and lead communications and engagement advisor Riki Welsh announced the eight new Youth Rōpū representatives and what stood out to the selection panel in their applications.
"The Youth Rōpū is very special to Council because of your enthusiasm to protect the environment," Councillor Grant Edge told the group.
Councillor Vicky Southworth added, "we’re hoping to get more Youth Rōpū members onto council committees this year."
Both councillors thanked the new and returning members for their dedication and commitment.
"Young people bring a perspective to the table which may be representative of a good proportion of our population but that has not otherwise been considered," said Riki.
Youth Rōpū members
The new members below join returning members Zoe Croot, River Lockwood, Sam Allan, Taylah Bentley-Eddington, Frida Peltzer, Tamzyn Murdoch, and Mazaiah Isaako Tuala.
Amelie De Luca
Christchurch Central, 15
For the past two years, Amelie has been an Eco-Action Leader at Trust Eco-Action. She balances many curricular activities with study and work, and turns small actions into meaningful contributions.
Charlotte Doogue
Christchurch South, 22
Charlotte was on the Youth Rōpū in 2020 and is returning for another year.
She believes that considering youth voice is imperative to informing equitable, sustainable, and robust decision making at a regional council level.
Grace Robinson
Christchurch West, 21
Grace is studying a Bachelor of Social and Environmental of Sustainability (BSEnS) at University of Canterbury, majoring in environmental policy and governance. She wants to achieve urgent climate action and social justice.
Joseph Fullerton
Christchurch Central, 22
Joseph guided School Strike 4 Climate's 50 youth submissions to the Christchurch City Council 24-34 Long Term Plan and is mentioned by name in two dozen other submissions.
Kyra O’Donnell
North Canterbury, 15
Kyra is on the Māori council at her school and represented her school in kapa haka at the hui a motu for the Māori queen. She is passionate about tino rangatiratanga and uplifting the rights and voice of Māori and Pasifika people.
Portia Bishop
Christchurch Central, 21
Portia has been an advocate for youth in many areas, including ensuring appropriate resources and services are available for young people. Portia is passionate about public transport and will contribute a lot of insightful information into how we can improve in this space.
Zara Clark
Christchurch West, 16
Zara is a member of her school's Environment Committee and is one of two Eco-Action Representative. She is passion about Canterbury's rivers and waterways and wants to see them all healthy.
Sharon Wilson
Christchurch Central, 21
Sharon brings a very humanistic approach to climate change and is aware of the holistic effects that it has. She has a strong work ethic which is demonstrated by the most impressive list of roles that she has held.