This year’s Hastings Youth Council has been confirmed, comprising 17 young people who will represent the district’s young people.
Aged between 15 and 21, youth councillors give a youth perspective on issues and advocate for and implement changes on behalf of Hastings’ young people.
This year’s Youth Council chair, Osiris White Munro, a student at Hastings Boys’ High School, said the council was excited to work towards its goals for the year ahead.
“Our aim is to develop plans and strategies to address issues affecting our community, while also promoting youth leadership and empowerment,” he said.
“We hope to strengthen our relationships with local organisations and community members, while also celebrating cultural traditions and values.
“We look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and are committed to making a positive impact on our community.”
Hastings councillor and Youth Council advisor, Wendy Schollum said she was excited to work alongside and mentor the Youth Council again in 2023.
“The devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle has brought great loss but also great opportunities to our community. We have a once in a lifetime chance to re-think and re-imagine how Hastings and the wider Hawke’s Bay region should look like and how we should live.”
“Never before has the voice of rangatahi been so important. After all, it is their future that we will be sculpting in the months and years of recovery ahead. I am excited to work alongside such a diverse and passionate group of young leaders who I have no doubt will ensure the vision of Hastings’ young people is baked into our decision making.”
Working alongside Mrs Schollum to support and mentor the Hastings Youth Council will be Councillor, Marcus Buddo.
