Councillors wanted

Young people aged between 14 and 19 with a passion for the environment, an interest in local government and a talent for inspiring others are invited to apply for the 2019 Hawke’s Bay Youth Environment Council (YEC).

Students can join in an Ahuriri Estuary Clean Up planned for this Friday, February 22, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm as a taster for students interested in joining YEC. It starts at the Humber Street Reserve beside Pandora Pond. The Youth Environment Council’s support team will be there to answer any questions from prospective members and show them what the YEC is involved in. Refreshments will be supplied.

“We are looking for young people who are able to learn through teaching others and who are excited about trying different activities,” says the Youth Environment Council’s facilitator Jake Brookie.

The programme for young people is coordinated by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. Youth councillors are able to work alongside the council team to plan local events, advocate for the environment and be leaders in their schools and communities.

Youth council members with goals for university studies can also gain knowledge from council scientists, engineers and planning.

In 2018 the YEC organised a documentary night and the Green Games at Taradale High School and were guests on Radio Kidnappers. Although many past youth councillors have come from Napier and Hastings, ideally they can come from all backgrounds and locations.

“It’s easy to connect by video links these days, so Youth Environment Councillors from Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa should be able to fully take part,” Jake says.

“You don’t have to live nearby, and in fact, the more diverse the YEC, the better it can be.”

The Ahuriri meet up event is listed on www.hbrc.govt.nz and the Hawke’s Bay Youth Environment Council Facebook page. Students can also download an application to be a Youth Councillor from the regional council’s website.

“We’re looking forward to meeting new potential youth councillors, and creating an exciting year for them,” Jake says.

Jake Brookie, Youth Environment Council coordinator, demonstrating the impact of rising seas on coastal communities to students at the 2018 Green Games.