The Auckland City Youth Council was set up in 1984 by Dame Catherine Tizard as a forum for young people following the Queen Street riots. I’m trying hard to remember back 26 years ago so that I can contribute to the history of the Youth Council that is currently being documented. I was one of the founding members who used to meet every Friday at the former Youth Resource Centre on Wellesley Street under the guidance of Ted Jones. We started off as a small group with big ideas about what we could do as a voice for young people.
It is great to see that the Youth Council has continued to grow and provide young people with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and learn more about their community. I strongly support mayoral candidate Len Brown’s proposal to seek advice from a Regional Youth Council. The super city legislation doesn’t require the new Council to provide a forum for young people so it is vital to vote for a mayor and councillors who are committed to setting up a new Auckland Youth Council for the whole region.
Anyone with information about the Auckland City Youth Council over the last 26 years including photos and details of former members can contact Zaria Sleith, Youth Programme Assistant, Auckland City Council, ph 354 2078 Email: Zaria.Sleith@aucklandcity.govt.nz.