Waipā mayor seeks young leaders to ‘step up, give it a go’

Waipā mayor Susan O'Regan. Photo / Supplied

Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan is on the hunt for smart, inspiring young people to join a national leadership programme.

The Tuia Leadership programme is aimed at outstanding rangitahi Māori who have the potential to be leaders and contribute to their community. It involves a young person working alongside their local mayor to gain insights, receive one-on-one mentoring plus share their views and insights into what is important for youth.

Susan is actively looking for applicants and is putting the word out for young people to “step up and give it a go”.

“It’s a great programme and Waipā has been part of it for a long time. I’m very keen on making it easier for young people to have a voice at council so I’m really keen to see someone take up this opportunity,” she said.

The programme involves a monthly informal meeting plus attendance on some formal occasions. Those involved are aged 18 to 25 and want to be actively involved in making their community a better place. The young person selected must also be available for a wananga at Mangatoatoa Marae from Friday, March 17 to Sunday, March 19.

“The programme is not hugely formal, but it does have real value and will open doors and expose someone to new and valuable experiences. The successful applicant will need to be open-minded, confident in sharing their views and most importantly, be willing to learn,” Susan said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity and it has big wins for council because we will get a unique young person’s view of what’s important, right here, for Waipā.”

Susan is inviting potential applicants to do their research and email her directly by Monday, February 6 at susan.oregan@waipadc.govt.nz to outline standard information (name, contact details, age etc) plus provide an insight into their schooling history, their community activities or passions, their sporting or cultural involvement, their plans for the future and most importantly why they want to be involved and what they want to achieve.

“And if you have them, include some references or name some referees.”

In previous years, those involved with the Waipā programme have included Paige Connon, Cassidy Temese, Sirtori Eade and Sophia Wairoa-Harrison.

• Read more information about the Tuia Leadership Programme here.