The 2026 Whakatāne District Youth Council were formally welcomed this week with a mihi whakatau, shared kai, and their first meeting.
Rescheduled due to last week’s storm, the event went ahead without issue, with rangatahi from as far afield as Murupara gathering alongside their supporters in Council Chambers (Room Tōtara). They were welcomed by Mayor Nándor Tánczos, Youth Council representative Councillor Toni Boynton, councillors and staff.
This year saw strong interest in the programme, with 63 nominations received, a significant increase on previous years. Shortlisted applicants were asked to submit a short video outlining why they applied and what they hoped to gain from the experience.
Youth Council coordinator Jemma Rudkin says the programme is designed to support young people through civics education, leadership opportunities and active community participation, helping to grow the district’s next generation of leaders.
In his welcoming speech, Mayor Nándor emphasised that this was an important moment, not just for the rangatahi who have stepped forward to be in the Whakatāne Youth Council, but for our district and for our democracy.
“Democracy doesn’t work if it only belongs to a few voices. It works when people participate. When people question. When people care enough to show up. And I want to say clearly, right at the start: your voices matter, and this Council takes you seriously.”
He challenged the young leaders to ask the hard questions.
“We’re better as a community when rangatahi are part of the conversation.”
That sentiment was echoed by Councillor Boynton, who said it was a privilege to welcome our rangatahi to Whakatāne District Youth Council at the mihi whakatau.
“I was very happy, excited and privileged to be walking alongside our young people and having their whakaaro and kōrero be part of shaping our decision making.”
Early discussions from the new youth council reflected a strong interest in issues such as environmental challenges and climate change, planning for the future, opportunities for young people, events and entertainment, safety, and youth mental health. Rangatahi from Murupara spoke passionately about the need for more opportunities in their community.
These conversations set the tone for the year ahead and the Council looks forward to working alongside the Youth Council, supporting them to grow their confidence, develop leadership skills, and contribute their voices to shaping the future of the district.