Youth Rōpū | Youth council and environmental leadership in Canterbury
The Youth Rōpū brings together rangatahi aged 14–24 to shape environmental decisions, influence local projects, and take action across Waitaha. It’s an opportunity to build leadership skills, connect with others, and make a real difference in your region.
Join the 2027 Youth Rōpū
Applications close 2 December 2026
Aged 14–24 and keen to make a difference in Waitaha Canterbury?
Help shape environmental decisions, build leadership skills and connect with other young people.
The Youth Rōpū is a group of young people from across Waitaha Canterbury who work with Environment Canterbury to represent youth perspectives on environmental and community issues.
Members are involved in projects, workshops and events that influence decisions, support sustainability, and connect young people across the region.
What Youth Rōpū members do
Members take part in a range of activities across the year, including:
Contributing to environmental projects and initiatives
Providing input into Council decisions and strategies
Collaborating with youth councils and community groups
Attending workshops, hui and regional events
Leading and supporting youth-led initiatives.
Key focus areas
Explore the key areas the Youth Rōpū focuses on from environmental action to transport, partnerships and decision-making.
Environment
Climate action and biodiversity initiatives
Community planting and sustainability projects
Inter-school enviro network and hui
Governance and civics
Youth voice in decision-making
Local elections engagement tools
Collaboration with Councillors and youth councils
Partnerships
Strengthening relationships with mana whenua
Te tiriti o Waitangi workshop
Embedding partnership across Youth Rōpū activities
Noho marae and regional connection
Public transport
Youth input into transport planning
Regional workshops and feedback
Ongoing engagement with transport initiatives
Making change together: Youth Rōpū highlights for 2025
The Youth Rōpū 2025 Annual Update captures a year of action, connection and growing influence. From environmental initiatives to shaping decisions that affect our region, rangatahi across Waitaha are stepping up and making a difference.
