Nineteen young people have been selected to represent the 2026 Hastings Youth Council, which will advocate for rangatahi voices throughout the year ahead.
Hastings District Council said the youth council plays an active role in decision-making, providing youth perspectives and ensuring issues important to young people are heard and considered.
Three Hastings councillors will be acting as youth liaisons to support the Youth Council over the coming year – Siiam Daniel, Nick Ratcliffe and Heather Te Au-Skipworth.
Cr Daniel said the youth council rangatahi would carry the mana and aspirations of Heretaunga.
“They are leaders of today, and I look forward to seeing them grow their leadership over the year ahead, stand strong in their whakaaro, and help shape the decisions that impact our whānau and hapori across the rohe.”
Cr Ratcliffe said he was very impressed with the calibre of the candidates who put their names forward to be on the Youth Council.
“I think it’s safe to say that all three liaison councillors are genuinely excited to have these rangatahi joining us on our reference and advisory groups, and we’re looking forward to learning from them as much as we are to mentoring them.”
Cr Te Au-Skipworth said she was excited to see the mahi that would be created by these rangatahi taiohi.
“They bring a whole new level of energy and brilliance to our council – it’s such a privilege to be working alongside them all.
“This year the Youth Council will continue advocating for youth voices in different spaces, building its presence through social media, and strengthening connections with schools.”
The youth council will also host the Youth Potential Awards, supporting Youth Week activities, helping to deliver youth grants, as well as having the opportunity to take part in learning and development workshops.
This year’s chair, Zander Peterson – who returns for his second year on the Youth Council – said he was keen to step into the leadership role.
“I stepped forward to represent youth because I have the time and capability to do it well. I had to convince everyone I was the right choice, but it seems like a great council to work with and I’m excited to get started,” he said.
Newly appointed this year, Taikura Rudolph Steiner School student, Georgia Abraham said she was pleased to take up the opportunity with the Youth Council following a rangatahi leadership course she attended last year.
“I found that course really interesting, and when I heard about the Youth Council I thought it would be a really good opportunity to learn and grow my skills. I know lots of young people in my school and community who have a lot to say and a lot they want to change, and this felt like a good way to be part of that,” she said.
Returning youth councillor, Remy Te Aho Taong, from Lindisfarne College, said their first year had been a valuable experience.
“My first year was a new experience where I got to meet new people and learn about how Council works. I really liked that it gives young people the opportunity to actually do the work and be involved.”
2026 Hastings Youth Council members are:
Zander Peterson (Karamū High School) – chair
Maia Matchitt (Te Wānanga o Raukawa) – deputy chair
Georgia Abraham (Taikura Rudolph Steiner)
Paige Cunningham (Hastings Girls’ High School)
Dominic Goodenough (Lindisfarne College)
Kaiariki Hewitt (Hukarere Girls’ College)
Sahij Kaur (Woodford House)
Rainna Kim (Havelock North High School)
Tangiataahua Mata (Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Te Wānanga Whare Tapere O Takitimu)
Te Aroha Mohi (Karamū High School)
Astyn Nelson (Flaxmere College)
Payton Tautau (Hastings Girls’ High School)
Remy Te Aho Taong (Lindisfarne College)
Ellae Te Aonui Wairama (Flaxmere College)
Fibe Van Der Merwe (Hastings Christian School)
Aiden Walters (St John’s College)
Ihaia Wainohu (Te Kura Kaupapa Māori O Te Wānanga Whare Tapere O Takitimu)
Haydez Williams-Tilton (Hastings Boys’ High School)
Gem Wiremu (Karamū High School).
