Youth Council

The Selwyn Youth Council (SYC) consists of young people aged between 14- 24 who live in the Selwyn district and provide representation or a voice for the youth in their communities. SYC members meet monthly to assist and advise the Selwyn District Council on issues relating to youth and to increase the Council's understanding of young people's perspectives and needs. When necessary the SYC will present to Council the views of the district's youth on matters of council services, infrastructure and programs.

Youth Council Members and Profiles

		Chloe Duff, Rolleston College, Springs Ward 'I'm extremely passionate about community, bravery and kindness. I all ways put these three things into everything  I do. I love being with friends making new friends and talking to new people. I'm so excited to be on the Selwyn Youth Council and I know this is going to be a great opportunity to work on my leadership skills!'
		Ethan Richards-White, Rolleston College, Selwyn Central Ward 'My passions are sport, friends and family, camping, getting involved with the school and the community. Over the past school years I have enjoyed pushing myself to be in school council. I see the Selwyn Youth Council as an opportunity to strengthen my leadership skills, learn different things, meet other people, and have an impact in my community.'
		Gabriel Clarke (Secretary) Lincoln High School, Selwyn Central Ward 'I like to immerse myself in as many extra and intra-curricular activities as I can; I'm currently Head Boy at Lincoln high, on the board of trustees and a youth voice activist. I believe New Zealand values its young people, and makes wonderful investments in youth. The voice of youth has so much to offer, and its my privilege to channel those ideas and energy'
		Georgie Watson, Canterbury University, Malvern Ward 'I joined the Selwyn Youth Council as I had heard from previous members that it was a unique and fun way to get involved in our community while making a positive difference. I wanted to experience this for myself and make a beneficial impact in our society'
		Harry Mayo, St Thomas, Selwyn Central Ward 'Being on the Selwyn Youth Council  has been an awesome experience. I enjoy rugby, cricket and many other sports. I joined the youth council because there are so many opportunities in which you can get involved in the community with activities that you suit'
		Katelyn Twiss (Deputy Chairperson) Ellesmere College, Ellesmere Ward 'I love sports and play rugby, netball and basketball. I also love playing guitar, singing and enjoy spending time with my friends and family. As part of the Selwyn Youth Council, I want to be involved in providing the youth of Selwyn with a place where their opinions can be voiced'
		Maria Mendoza-Nieto, Lincoln High School, Springs Ward 'I joined the youth council with no expectations, and I’ve loved every minute of it! Now, I am driven to assist the youth of Selwyn, by getting to know their needs and ambitions. I love all things basketball, playing, refereeing and coaching. On court, I play point guard, my favourite player being Chris Paul'
		Michelle Bruce, Darfield High School, Malvern Ward 'I really enjoy being a part of the youth council as it has been a great leadership opportunity and has given me a chance to problem solve which is something I enjoy. The Selwyn Youth Council is a fantastic platform for youth involvement. I personally enjoy reading, sports and performing arts and I'm fiercely competitive'
		Olivia Duder, Lincoln High School, Selwyn Central Ward 'I joined the youth council because I wanted to have a stronger voice in my community and I want Selwyn to be a place people are proud to be a part of. I enjoy playing guitar and singing as well as spending time with my friends. I'm very proud to be a part of the youth council and will do the most I can for the time I am on it'
		Paige Sullivan (Chairperson) Lincoln High School, Selwyn Central Ward 'Young people are the future and it is so important that they feel valued and listened to. I believe that youth should be empowered and supported to thrive, succeed, and make a difference! In my spare time, I enjoy going to Woodford Glen, playing sports and volunteering in my community. I hope that this year we can be stronger than ever and widen our reach to all young people in Selwyn'
		Taylin Smith (Treasurer) Lincoln High School, Ellesmere Ward 'I have a passion for communication and understanding, which is why I love learning Chinese. I love the fact that our District Council values the voice of its youth, which is why I'm eager to be a part of this group of dedicated young people who all share the same passion in making the voices of Selwyn youth heard'

Meetings

The Selwyn Youth Council meet on the first Wednesday of each month. 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 at least 3 days prior to a meeting via email at youth.council@selwyn.govt.nz

Public forums are available 6:30pm-7:00pm with youth council meetings held 7:00pm-8:30pm.

• Agendas
• Minutes

Selwyn Youth Event Fund

The Selwyn Youth Council has established a discretionary fund called the Selwyn Youth Event Fund. It is managed by the youth council, and funding is to provide support for groups or individuals whose events or activities contribute to the strengthening of youth wellbeing in Selwyn.

At their monthly meeting, members of the youth council will assess the applications and distribute the funds as they see appropriate.
Please carefully read the Selwyn Youth Event Fund Policy and Guidelines before completing your Application Form.

Selwyn Youth Event Fund - Policy and Guidelines [PDF, 372 KB]
Selwyn Youth Event Fund - Application Form [DOCX, 128 KB]

For more information or any queries please email youth.council@selwyn.govt.nz

Youth Council Terms of Reference

The youth council's new Terms of Reference were ratified by the Selwyn District Council at their June 2017 meeting and updated July 2018.

Contacts

Email: youth.council@selwyn.govt.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SelwynYouthCouncil