Waikato, NZ – Tuakau-Pokeno ward councillor candidate Fabio Rodrigues has announced a bold plan to create a district-wide Waikato Youth Council to give young people real influence over local decisions. The Youth Council will include representatives aged 14 to 21 from across the district and will be tasked with advising council, leading youth-driven projects and ensuring the next generation has a voice in the room, not just in the background.
“Young people are impacted by council decisions every day, yet they’re barely consulted,” Rodrigues said. “That changes if elected. The Waikato Youth Council will give our youth real power, real experience and a real say in the future of our communities.”
The Plan
Representation That Reflects Waikato
10-14 youth members will be selected from across all wards, with an intentional mix of rural, urban, Māori, Pasifika and migrant youth to reflect the diversity of the district.
Real Influence, Not Just Symbolism
The Youth Council will meet monthly, attend council workshops, participate in planning sessions and report directly to council twice a year. Members will help shape local policies, events and youth-focused initiatives.
Training and Support
Council staff and elected members will provide mentorship and leadership development. A part-time Youth Liaison Officer will support the Youth Council’s work and ensure it’s well-integrated into council structures.
Youth-Led Projects With Real Impact
From youth mental health forums to safer transport proposals and civic engagement campaigns, the Youth Council will design and lead initiatives that benefit young people across the district.
Hopeful Implementation Timeline
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November 2025: Council vote to establish Youth Council
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December 2025: Consultation with schools, iwi and youth groups
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March–April 2026: Applications open and members selected
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May 2026: First meeting and training retreat
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June 2026: Youth Council appears before full council
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July 2026 onward: Youth-led projects begin
Why It Matters
Waikato’s young people are ready to lead. They deserve more than token mentions in plans written without them. Rodrigues’ Youth Council policy brings youth into the room, trains them to lead and ensures the council listens to their voices.
“We talk about building the future — but the people who are going to live in it are rarely asked what they think,” Rodrigues said. “I’ll change that. We’re not just bringing new leadership to council. We’re raising the next generation of leaders with us.”
