Hastings Youth Council gives young people a voice

Kate Allen (left), and Charliot Miller, at the "Youth Brain Dump," one of the first events run by the new Hastings Youth Council. Photo / Paul Taylor

The newly appointed Hastings Youth Council aims to engage young people and ensure their voices are heard.

The 2019 youth council, which is made up of 15-17-year-olds from schools in the Hastings District, met for the first time last week.

Hastings Girls' High School's Kate Allen was elected chairwoman of the council, and Havelock North High School's Charliot Miller vice-chairwoman. Both are in their final year at high school.

Miller said, as a youth council, they had decided mental health was an important issue to focus on for the year.

"We want to make an event which incorporates youth mental health to raise that awareness."

Allen agreed.

"It's affected us all in different ways, we definitely want to do something big."

Being only a week in, the plan is still be formed, but the girls said the council has a sense as to what they want to do.

"We have outlines ... but nothing really set in stone just yet."

It is Allen's second year on the council, but it is a new experience for Miller.

"When it came up as an opportunity I just jumped at it," Miller said.

The girls said they felt really supported by council officers, and felt there was a drive at Hastings District Council to help them put their ideas into action.

The initial focus for the council is National Youth Week, from May 18-27, with plans to create dynamic, collaborative activities throughout the week across the community as well as in schools.

The 2019 Hastings District Youth Council. Photo / Supplied

The week's theme is "We are more than what you see."

The councillors hope to show the Hastings Community the contribution young people make to the district, as well as what they could achieve with support.

St John's College student Gurjas Sekhon said he wanted to give young people a voice.

"I wanted to represent those in need, to give support to youth.

"I also wanted to promote Hastings city as a place that involves its youth."

Hastings Girls' High School student Kathleen Steffert said she wanted to support young people struggling with mental health, education and entering the workforce.

On Wednesday and Thursday the councillors held a "youth brain dump" to hear what other young people wanted to see in Hastings. Further sessions will be held in Flaxmere and Camberley.

Hastings District councillor Malcolm Dixon said the Youth Council was the eyes and ears of the future.

"We all need to reach out and listen to how they would make Hastings a better place for us all."

"I have always been impressed with their energy, creativity and genuine passion to make a valuable contribution to assist us all."