2026 Hamilton Youth Council EOI

We are establishing a Youth Council for Kirikiriroa, to provide a platform for local rangatahi to influence decisions that impact them. Kirikiriroa Hamilton has the youngest average population in Aotearoa New Zealand, so we want to make sure that they are given the chance to share their views.  

The Youth Council will exist to provide advice to council staff and Elected Members as needed, to make submissions to Council on matters of interest, to monitor the progress of the Rangatahi Action Plan (link), and lay the foundation for the future of the Youth Council. 

• Up to 12 Rangatahi aged 16-24 
• Live, work, or study in Kirikiriroa 
• Have a genuine interest in being a voice for your community 
• Ability to work collaboratively  
• Able to commit to attendance and actively participate in discussions for the full 2026 year
• No previous experience is necessary

Meetings will be held in-person from March until November 2026. These will be at different locations across Kirikiriroa, with the option to join online for some hui.

Meeting dates are: 

• Monday 23 March from 3:30pm – 5pm
• Wednesday 22 April from 4pm – 5.30pm  
• Wednesday 27 May from 4pm – 5.30pm 
• Wednesday 24 June from 4pm – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 22 July from 4pm – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 26 August from 4pm – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 23 September from 4pm – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 28 October from 4pm – 5.30pm
• Wednesday 25 November from 4pm – 5.30pm.   

Please note that these dates and times may be subject to change. 

If there are any barriers to you being able to attend these hui, please still apply and let us know.

There will be full training and support from council staff and some community groups. You do not need to have any prior knowledge or experience of Council. 

To help meetings flow well, there will be some additional time required beforehand to read and respond to emails, stay up to date with agendas, etc. (no more than 30 minutes a week). We will also be available to support members outside of meetings if some extra help is needed.

• Opportunity to influence decisions that affect youth 
• Further develop your leadership and communication skills 
• Gain experience in governance and community engagement 
• Meet like-minded young people and expand your network 
• Enhance your CV 
• Make a positive difference in our community 

If you are interested in applying, then please fill out the form below. If you would prefer to submit your application form via email on a Word document then please contact Emma Newman: emma.newman@hcc.govt.nz

Thanks, we look forward to hearing from you.

Kia kaha!