Nelson’s young people encouraged to join Youth Council

Youth councillors are encouraging the city’s young people to sign up to Nelson’s Youth Council, saying it’s a “transformative” opportunity.

The Youth Council, which is open for applications, meets monthly in Civic House to discuss youth issues, actions, and projects that are important to young people.

Darcy Lawrey, 17, says the Youth Council helps young people to participate in politics despite being unable to vote.

“You get to speak directly to councillors, you get to go to council meetings,” he says.

“As a politically-engaged young person, seeing things around my city that I wanted to change or felt strongly about, it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to have that direct contact with the people making the decisions.”

Darcy places a high importance on his role in engaging with local government sector even though national politics is “more flashy”.

“Especially for young people, local politics has a major impact on their life."

And the Youth Council delivers results, Darcy says.

In the past, the body has been involved in creating the Stoke Youth Park and getting rainbow art added to the bike shelters on Trafalgar Street and in Montgomery Square.

It’s also involved in events, like the Four Lanes, Nelson Arts, and Matariki Festivals, and the Smokefree Rockquest.

“It’s definitely not that tokenistic representation which you see sometimes with young people and politics,” says youth councillor Finn Kerby-Pinguet, 16.

“Youth voice is definitely appreciated and actually really valuable for people working in these spaces like arts or events.

"Firstly, it’s important that council knows the youth perspective but also, it’s really good to go back to the community and say ‘Hey, this is work council’s doing for you.’”

Finn says it is an incredible experience.

“You’re rocking up to Civic House and you’re sitting right next to proper councillors, having a yarn with them in the morning tearoom; there’s a lot to be gained from the people that you work with but there’s a lot of skills you get to hone and refine.

“It’s a pretty transformative experience for anyone interested in change-making and politics.”

Current Nelson City councillor Campbell Rollo says his experience on the Youth Council influenced his decision to run for council, where he now helps to make decisions that can have a major impact on the city and its residents.

“Youth Council is so important to our region. The opportunity to hear the views of young people who are wanting to make Nelson their home, and for the youth to be a part of the conversation – it is so inspiring.”

Applications are open until Friday 27 October and anyone in Nelson between the ages of 14 – 19 can apply.

A panel of two council officers, a councillor, and a youth councillor will assess the applications and decide on the successful candidates.

Youth Council terms have historically been for one year, but the terms have now been extended to two years to give youth councillors greater security in their roles and more time to develop their skills.

To learn more and apply visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/nelson-youth-council.