Stratford District Youth Council (SDYC) is seeking new members for 2026. If you’re 12-24 years old and live, work or go to school in the Stratford district, you’re eligible to be a youth councillor, and are invited to apply online at Stratford.govt.nz/YouthCouncil by 19 October.

SDYC will farewell almost half of its members at the end of 2025 as they embark on their next journey, making space for new faces, and fresh ideas and aspirations.

As SDYC Co-Chair Tatjana Hanne prepares to pass the torch to the next group of young leaders, she reflects on her 4 years with SDYC which she says has presented her with “once in a lifetime opportunities.”

Just last week Tatjana and SDYC Secretary Tess Hooker, represented the youth council in Parliament where they presented to the Education and Workforce Select Committee on the harm young New Zealanders encounter online. Tatjana says it’s been a highlight from her time as a youth councillor.

“Alongside our ability to submit on local and national issues that matter to young people, I’ve really enjoyed my role as co-chair and watching our new youth councillors grow in confidence and find their voice at the table,” says Tatjana.

Fellow Co-Chair Lucas Jacobson echoed Tatjana’s thoughts. “Being part of SDYC is about giving others the opportunity to have their say, providing a platform for youth to share ideas and feedback,” he says.

“Young people should be included in conversations that impact them and have access to spaces and places where they can connect with each other, we’re here to help make that happen,” says Lucas.

It’s not all submission writing and meetings, our SDYC members say they’ve made new friends, learned life skills and had loads of fun hosting youth events like Hydro Hype at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre, On The Bus, Pop-Up cinema, and Colour in the Park.

What will 2026 look like for SDYC? You tell us! Online applications are open now at Stratford.govt.nz/YouthCouncil and close on 19 October 2025.

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