This will be a busy year for the Central Otago Youth Council, which has around 12 new members this year and big plans on the table. 

The Central Otago Youth Council - made up of year 10-13 students from Alexandra - aims to make community-based decisions that positively impact young people in our community. 

Anyone who is in year 10-13 at high school in Alexandra can join. 

The Youth Council follows a similar structure to a normal board: Members have taken up the roles of facilitator, chairperson and a deputy chairperson. This year roles may expand to include a secretary, treasurer and media person.

New facilitator Ella Jackson said she was excited to take up the role.

“I have had my eye on the facilitator role for the Youth Council since I started at Punarangatahi last year,” Ella said.

The Youth Council also teaches rangatahi the skills needed to sit on a council or board while supporting them to act on youth-specific issues within the community. 

“I am most looking forward to seeing the members interact with the district council and community boards,” Ella said.

Tabitha Hilyard, who was a member of the council for three years and the chairperson last year, said she has learnt skills like creating and following an agenda, improving her public speaking skills, and opening herself to different viewpoints. 

The first mission for the Youth Council is to create a ‘youth census’, which is sent to primary and secondary schools in Alexandra to collect information about students’ home life, school, community and social media.

There are also plans for the council to hold various events during national Youth Week (May 15-21) which is organised by young people.

This year’s theme is ‘leaders for today, leavers of tomorrow’.

The Youth Council with its 2022 Blossom Festival float 

There are further plans for the Youth Council to work closely with Central Otago District Council members this year. 

“I believe they both have a lot to learn from each other and working together will have a positive effect on the community,” Ella said.

One of Tabitha's biggest achievements while on the council was the Candidate Speed Q&A, which gave young people an opportunity to talk to Central Otago District Council members before last year's election. 

“It was great to talk to gain an insight into their intentions,” Tabitha said. 

The Youth Council gives young people an opportunity to voice concerns about their future and get involved in the community, Tabitha said. 

“I would strongly encourage joining the Youth Council if you want your voice to be heard.”