Invercargill City Youth Council

About the Youth Council

The Invercargill City Youth Council exists to give rangatahi in Invercargill a voice when it comes to civic engagement.

Members include representatives of Invercargill secondary schools and young people interested in providing a youth perspective to Council. It is open to young people aged from 12 to 24 who put themselves forward for nomination.

The Youth Council, which has existed since 1998, meets on Wednesday afternoons, fortnightly. Meeting procedures are formal with minutes and agendas – but the atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Chairpersons are elected at the beginning of each year.

The Youth Council’s goals are to:

• Engage young people in Invercargill City to have a voice in decision making.
• Ensure young people know the Youth Council exists for them to have a voice.
• Facilitate and promote events and projects to involve young people.

The members are involved in youth-related activities in Invercargill and Aotearoa, including formation and implementation of projects. Funding for such activities and participation is provided by the Invercargill City Council. Other responsibilities include informing the Council on issues, suggesting solutions to issues, sharing information and experiences with others, learning about the functions and decision-making processes of the Council and – most importantly – building new friendships and having fun!