Six 'fantastic bunch of young leaders” are taking on their new roles as the Youth Voice in each of the Thames-Coromandel District Council's community board areas.

The Youth Voice representatives are Kaihau Paitai (Coromandel-Colville), Finn Butler (Mercury Bay), Harmony Hogarth (Tairua-Pauanui), Hannah Ngamane (Whangamata), plus Harrison Hughes and Vicky Tissingh (Thames).

The Thames-Coromandel Youth Voice representatives, Clockwise from top: Hannah Ngamane, Vicky Tissingh, Kaihau Paitai, Harrison Hughes, Harmony Hogarth and Finn Butler. Photo: TCDC

'We have a fantastic bunch of young leaders who have put themselves forward to ensure that our local youth voice is heard,” says Thames Community Development Officer Marlene Perry.

'This is just the beginning and we are excited to see what future opportunities we can explore together.”

Following an interview process the six representatives, aged 16-24, gathered together recently to meet each other and elected members from their ward, followed by short presentations on governance and their role as a representative.

'It was really great to meet with the other reps and I am feeling extremely excited for what I can do for the youth of Thames,” says Thames Youth Voice representative Vicky Tissingh.

A youth/council partnership was established during 2014/15 to explore how council could facilitate an initiative that would accommodate and encourage a youth voice.

This year the Youth Voice Model was proposed to youth and elected representatives to enable engagement and regular input by youth into Council matters.

'Funding for the project was secured from Ministry of Youth Development and the proposal presented to the council," explains Marlene.

'All five community boards and council endorsed the project which shows a real dedication to giving youth a voice in our communities.”

For more information about the Youth Voice representatives and other youth projects visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/coroyouth