Tasman District Council

Juliet Blythe, third-term Youth Councillor

Representatives in clusters throughout the region represent the youth voice to inform decisions made by Tasman District Council. Active clusters represent Waimea, Motueka, Tapawera and Murchison areas. Golden Bay cluster is on a membership drive. They also play a role in planning, delivering and recommending youth-focused initiatives and events in the areas they represent.

Name: Juliet Blythe

School: Waimea College

What does the youth council do? Waimea Youth Council organises and executes events that encourage and support youth to get out into their community. We also get involved in other workshops and events around Tasman.

What attracted you to the role?

I was interested in taking a leadership role in my community. I was ready to make a commitment and having a say in local government seemed like an exciting option.

What role does the youth council have in the council’s decision-making?

Youth Council members can sit in on TDC meetings and provide a youth perspective to problems and projects presented. Often, we are asked when Council’s decisions involves youth, to make sure what we want to see in our community is included.

Why should young people take part?

If you love meeting new people, helping those in our community who need their voices amplified and taking the lead, Youth Council might be for you. We’re looking for committed young people who take the initiative and want to change their community, even their world, for the better.

What project/decision you have been involved in interested you the most?

This is my third year on Waimea Youth Council, and organising the Speak Up Festival has to be my favourite. Last year in Mental Health Awareness Week we set up a music festival in Washbourn Gardens, the proceeds of which went to Youthline. We had local youth bands playing, games, competitions and cool prizes. We plan to do it again this year, using what we learnt from last year to make it even better!