Far North District Council welcomes rangatahi to relaunched Youth Action Council

Eighteen young people from across the Far North have been selected to the relaunched Far North District Council (FNDC) Youth Action Council, giving rangatahi a stronger voice in local decision-making.

The new council was officially welcomed with a special pōwhiri at FNDC chambers in Kaikohe on Saturday (17 October) bringing together members, whānau and friends to celebrate the beginning of a new three-year term.

The Youth Action Council, formerly known as the Far North Youth Council, brings together rangatahi aged 16 to 23 from across the district to share ideas, help address local challenges and contribute to decisions that affect their communities.

Established in 2016, the youth-led programme has provided more than 126 youth with opportunities to represent their communities and advocate for issues important to young people throughout the Far North.

Following a three-year hiatus, the initiative is now returning with a new cohort of members ready to make their mark.

Among them are Kaitaia’s Talia Teo and Kaikohe's Dechei Kākā, who have been selected to represent the Te Hiku and Kaikohe-Hokianga wards respectively.

Both said they were proud to be part of the first intake of the relaunched council and eager to ensure local rangatahi are heard.

"I wanted to do this to inspire more rangatahi to learn more about cultural and sports-related issues," Teo said.

“I decided to join the Youth Action Council so that I can pave a better pathway for my younger siblings and all rangatahi that will grow up here in the Far North," Kākā said.

The Youth Action Council includes representatives from across the district, with members drawn from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa, Kaikohe-Hokianga and Te Hiku wards.

The rōpū will meet regularly throughout its three-year term, providing advice and feedback on council initiatives, projects and services affecting young people.

FNDC Youth Action Council and Youth Portfolio chairperson Arohanui Allen said the relaunch was an important step in ensuring young people are part of conversations that shape the future of the Far North.

"Our Youth Action Council is so important because while councillors make decisions around the council table, the rangatahi voice is often missing,” Allen said.

"This council helps bring the perspectives of young people into our decision-making and ensures the aspirations of rangatahi are reflected in the mahi we do."

Members will contribute to a three-year work programme aligned with council priorities and projects outlined in the Long-Term Plan.

Alongside providing advice to council, the programme aims to help rangatahi build networks, develop leadership skills and become advocates for young people across the Far North.