Youth Council
In this section
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Application Form
Complete and submit an online form to apply to be on the Youth Council.
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Application Information
Information about youth council membership and activities.
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Terms of Reference
Governing principles for youth council operations.
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Youth Project Fund
Details on the fund, application form, and funding guidelines for the Selwyn Youth Project Fund.
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 MaraeAt 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. |  |
Mental Health Awareness WeekThe 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. |  |
Youth EngagementThe 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. |  |
Welcoming CommunitiesYouth 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. |  |
EventsThe 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. |  |
Employment PathwaysYouth 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. |  |
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: | 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.