In this section

The Selwyn Youth Council (SYC) consists of young people aged between 12 and 24 years old who live in the Selwyn district.

The Selwyn Youth Council provides a voice for the youth in their communities and delivers projects throughout the year aimed at strengthening the wellbeing of Selwyn young people. Members also deliver consultations and advise the Selwyn District Council on issues relating to youth, to increase understanding of young people's perspectives and needs.

What does the Selwyn Youth Council do?

Here are a few things the youth council have been involved in over the past few months:

Development Day at Ngāti Moki Marae

At the start of each year the Youth Council members attend a development day and planning hui at Ngāti Moki Marae. It is an awesome way for the Youth Council to connect, plan their year and understand the role of tangata whenua by strengthening their relationship with Te Taumutu Rūnanga.

Group of young adults at marae 

Mental Health Awareness Week

The Youth Council partnered with Ashburton Youth Council for the national Mental Health Awareness Week in September on a social media campaign, podcast and a range of community events. Local high schools came on board by hosting activities including purple shirt or ribbon days. Selwyn Youth Council recorded a podcast with the Mental Health Foundation on how young people can look after their mental wellbeing.

Decorative photo 

Youth Engagement

The Youth Council delivers six youth engagement activities throughout the year to create opportunities for young people to share their views on topics that matter to them. These can focus on Selwyn District Council projects with examples including: the new Rolleston Town Centre; what type of events youth would like to see in Selwyn; and the Reconnect Project which is all about how youth can live more environmentally friendly.

Decorative photo 

Welcoming Communities

Youth Councillors attend Citizenship Ceremonies with the Mayor to welcome new residents and speak about their experience living in Selwyn.  They have also helped to deliver the Put Down Your Roots planting days where people volunteer and grow their connection to local communities.

Decorative photo 

Events

The Youth Council deliver their own events and partner with event organisers to ensure there are fun activities on offer across the district for young people. The youth councillors have also helped to shape the Council events calendar too.

Decorative photo 

Employment Pathways

Youth Councillors have been discussing pathways to employment with businesses in the district and have helped plan the Council Careers Expo. They have also helped high school leavers in becoming mahi ready and have worked with careers advisors to ensure plenty of opportunities are available for young people leaving school.

Decorative photo

Contacts

Email: youth.council@selwyn.govt.nz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SelwynYouth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selwyn_youth/

Youth Council Members

Selwyn Central Ward:
Connor Buckley
Olivia Bunz
Reece Mutonhori
Anika Gates-Thorn
Tabitha Fleener

Springs Ward:
Jeremy Reed
Sonya Li-McHenry
Maggie Cahill
Ellesmere Ward:
Jennifer Green
Inaki Cepeda
Hayley Forward 		Malvern Ward:
Issy Kennedy
Z'Arn Payne
Susanna Sampson

Taumutu Representative: Khan McKay

 

Meetings

The Selwyn Youth Council meet six times per year. Before each meeting a public forum time is available to allow anyone to present ideas or plans they have for the youth of Selwyn that the youth council could potentially support or assist with. If you or your group would like to book a time to present please contact us prior to a meeting via email at youth.council@selwyn.govt.nz

Public forums are available 5:00pm-5:30pm with youth council meetings held 5:30pm-7:30pm.

Meetings for 2021 will be held at Selwyn District Council and are scheduled for Wednesdays: 3 March, 5 May, 30 June, 18 August, 20 October and 1 December.