Whanganui District Council's youth committee will be restricted in the number of projects and initiatives it can do if its funding is almost halved as proposed in council's draft annual plan.
The plan proposes slashing the budget from $45,000 to $25,000 prompting council's representative on the youth committee, councillor Josh Chandulal-Mackay, to urge public submissions on the issue.
"The youth committee budget allocation has meant the committee can fund beneficial local initiatives such as Picnic in the Park and this year's Annual Awa Adventure, alongside providing financial support through the $600ship scheme," Mr Chandulal-Mackay said.
He was concerned that as the funding cut was not included in the annual plan summary document, the public may not be aware of the proposed budget cut.
He said if the funding is cut the committee would be left with about $12,000 for projects after administration costs.
The committee offers about 10 scholarships each year worth $600 each. These may have to be reduced in numbers or amounts.
Past scholarships have gone to support young people in arts, sport and cultural endeavours.
Meanwhile council is calling for nominations for more youth councillors to fill about four vacancies.
Mr Chandulal-Mackay said he encouraged Whanganui youth aged 12 to 24 interested in their community and how local politics work to apply.
"We need a wide range of people with different kinds of skills and backgrounds on the youth committee, as this encourages good decision-making and allows a diverse range of young people in Whanganui to be represented.
"We are looking for people who can help find solutions to the issues young people face and who can share the views of people aged 12 to 24 to the wider community and to the council. Young people may sometimes be lumped in one group, but they represent different genders, ethnicity and backgrounds within Whanganui and it's important for everyone to be heard."
The committee is also inviting applications for its $600 scholarships. Five "$600ships" are available.
"The $600ships granted previously have been awarded to youth involved in volunteering, sport, cultural activities and the arts. It's great to see how a relatively small contribution can help young people get on the path toward achieving their dreams".
The closing date for youth committee applications is Monday May 1 and Friday May 19 for the scholarships.