February 4th 2014

Nominations open for Hastings District Youth Councillors

Hastings District Council is seeking nominations from young people around the district who would like to become part of the Youth Council.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “The Youth Council offers young people the opportunity to learn all about what the Council does and to experience the role of being a decision maker.”

Lawrence Yule says “A Youth Councillor is not necessarily a person who has achieved high academic standards or is the captain of a sports team. A good Youth Councillor is someone who is passionate about Hastings, its youth and has a keen interest in local government and decision making.”

The Youth Council provides support and gives feedback to Council on activities for youth. The maximum number of people on the Youth Council is 15 and nominees must be aged between 16 and 19.

Lawrence Yule says “Youth Councillors are expected to attend monthly or fortnightly meetings, help organise the Youth Potential awards, be a part of events that have been confirmed by the Youth Council and attend an overnight retreat. This experience can be very rewarding for those who make it onto the Council and we have seen many of our former Councillors grow as people during their time on Council.”

2013 Youth Councillor Joe Walding-Kataitana "Being on the Youth Council last year taught me that there's always so much work going on behind the scenes of every school, group, event and business. It made me really appreciate everything the council and community does. Whether it's keeping the streets clean, the gardens looking good, or a band playing in town, people are passionate about Hastings.”

He says “Young people want to see Hastings grow and develop, but also keep the history and the culture alongside as well. It was an eye-opening experience being a part of the Youth Council. I saw opportunity, in places I never imagined. If there is any chance to get involved and be a part of something now, I take it, and if opportunity doesn't knock, I build a door."

You can place a nomination for yourself or for someone else by going to:www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/youth

For further enquiries please contact paddys@hdc.govt.nz

ENDS

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