Hamilton’s 2026 Youth Council has officially kicked off, with members meeting for the first time this week.

The 12member Youth Council met on Wednesday 22 April, marking the start of their term and a year focused on bringing rangatahi (youth) voices into Council conversations.

More than 100 young people aged 16 – 24 applied earlier this year to be part of the Youth Council. Applications were open to rangatahi who live, work or study in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

The Youth Councillors for this term are: Will Benefield, Rion OrmsbyHarris, Tirama te Marino Bramley, Nury Choi, Seamus Lohrey, Shemaiah Ioapo, Asher Lewis, Damas Buhendwa, Harjenjot Kung, Bastiaan Banks, Brugud Buri and Sara Macdonald.

The Youth Council will act as an advisory group, providing insight and advice on issues that matter to young people in Hamilton. Members will meet eight times throughout the year.

At their first meeting, Youth Councillors took part in a welcoming poowhiri, reviewed their terms of reference, and were introduced to the Rangatahi Action Plan 2025–28, which was shaped by thousands of young people across the city.

Community Committee Chair, Councillor Emma Pike, said the Youth Council will play an important role in ensuring rangatahi voices are heard and considered in Council decision-making.

“Hamilton is the youngest city in New Zealand, so it’s important that rangatahi help to shape its future."

"We want Hamilton to be a place where youth feel heard, valued, and confident about their future. When we imagine a city that works for the next generation, we know it can only be built with young people, not for them. Involving youth directly in decisions that affect them will lead to better outcomes for everyone.”

Find out more about Hamilton’s Youth Council at hamilton.govt.nz/youthcouncil.

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