Auckland Council’s first full Youth Advisory Panel will meet on 18 February when Mayor Len Brown formally inducts its final 11 members.
The Youth Advisory Panel connects young people with programmes and events, and has an important consultative role for Auckland Council’s plans and policies.
It is made up of 21 young people between 12 and 24, nominated from the 21 local board areas and involves a two-year term served by each member from July to June. Youth Advisory Panel members are selected by young people in their community.
The first intake closed last year in June with 10 nominees put forward; the second intake will be completed at this meeting.
Mayor Len Brown says the Youth Advisory Panel demonstrates Auckland Council’s commitment to youth.
“The wellbeing and future prospects of our young people is central to our 30-year blueprint, the Auckland Plan. The panel recognises the importance of young Aucklanders roles in, and contributions to, their city and local communities.
“We are working to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city and we can’t do this successfully without connecting with our young people. The calibre of the people on the panel is very impressive as is their commitment to their peers.”
Youth Advisory Panel Chairperson, 21-year-old Flora Apulu from Manurewa, says it’s exciting to have input into programmes and plans that the panel will see come to fruition, ensuring young people’s views are taken into account.
“We are passionate about giving young people a voice on the Auckland Plan’s 30 year programme; after all, it’s our future we’re talking about. We want to be involved in the things that will affect us like housing, transport and employment.
“The Unitary Plan, which is essentially a rule book of how Auckland can use its land and grow, is also a priority for us. We will be very much involved in consultation this year and we encourage young people to have their say.”
Young Aucklanders keen to find out more about the Youth Advisory Panel can visit the Auckland Council website.
