EmpowerYouth Establishes Inaugural Committee
Front Row: Lilly Paulger (Waverley), Ebony Kalin (Chair, Hāwera/Manaia), Kairo Garrett (Hāwera), Evita Morellon (Hāwera), Kaia Prince (Hāwera /Normanby). Back Row: Rob Haveswood, Racquel Cleaver-Pittams, Marama Mohi (Ōpunakē), Kauby Ngatai (Eltham), Kymani Parata (Ōpunakē), Mayor Phil Nixon.
South Taranaki’s newest youth organisation EmpowerYouth, held its first meeting in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 14 June.
Founder and chair Ebony Kalin was excited to introduce the team who got straight down to business discussing the initiatives and ideas the group wishes to explore.
Working in collaboration with the Council, Ebony says EmpowerYouth aims to create a platform for young people to express their opinions, collaborate on ideas, and actively contribute to the growth and development of their District.
“The EmpowerYouth committee serves two primary purposes,” says Ebony. “Firstly, it acts as a youth voice for South Taranaki by establishing connections with secondary schools, sending submissions on Council projects, surveys, and events, and advocating for the concerns and ideas raised by young people. Secondly, it strives to increase youth community engagement by organising events, participating in community projects, supporting the Council's community events and working closely with schools,” she says. “With the Council's support, EmpowerYouth will play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for the District, where young individuals are actively involved and contribute to their community’s growth. I’m extremely excited to see what we can achieve together.”
