Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū

In 2018 a group of young people formed a working group (Youth Participation Platform Working Group or YPPWG) with support from the Environment Canterbury Youth Engagement and Education Team (YEET) and funding from the Ministry of Youth Development.

The goal of this group was to establish a platform for young people and decision-makers at Environment Canterbury to work together. This bought to life the aspirations, conversations and ideas that have been developed over the course of two years.

As a result, the Youth Rōpū met for the first time in May 2019. Members share an interest in the environment, developing their leadership skills and being part of an exciting team of young people that make a difference.

The Youth Rōpū is made up from representatives of each of our seven constituencies and mana whenua representatives.

The constituencies are:

1. North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke
2. Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi
3. South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi
4. Christchurch North East/Ōrei
5. Christchurch West/Ōpuna
6. Christchurch Central/Ōhoko
7. Christchurch South/Ōwhanga
8. Mana Whenua Representatives

This interactive map will help you establish which constituency you are in.

The Rōpū works on an opt-in system with multiple different ‘Hoe’ (focus groups) and you’re free to bounce between these depending on your interests and passions.

This year these teams included:

• Public Transport & Engagement: focused on planning, running and advertising youth events, the radio show and social media.
• Environment: focused on hands-on events such as plantings.
• Civics: focused on planning civics initiatives.

Baseline commitment

Youth Rōpū members are expected to attend monthly in person Sunday meetings and also attend quarterly meetings with Councillors to develop shared conversations.

All members are part of a project-based team and these will change each year depending on the group’s interests.

Membership term

Commitment is to a two-year term unless otherwise notified.

At the end of their term, a member can reapply for another term until they turn 25 years old. They must step down at the first recruitment period after their 25th birthday.

Mission statement

The Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū exists to build a two-way relationship between young people and Environment Canterbury to empower each other to be good kaitiaki of our environment.

Goals

• Information is attainable for young people: The EYR helps Environment Canterbury share attainable information to young people to inform them in a meaningful way about what is happening at Environment Canterbury and how they can participate.
• Young people know how they can make a difference: The EYR helps young people to understand how they can make a difference, so people of our generation can demand the change they want and/or need.
• Youth empowerment is recognised and accounted for across regional and national sectors: The EYR advocates for youth representation and empowerment throughout Waitaha and wider Aotearoa New Zealand by being an active participant in conversations and events, and supporting the creation of youth roles in all networks and sectors.
• Environment Canterbury incorporates youth voices into decision making: The EYR provides a pathway for Environment Canterbury to receive the fresh and sustainable perspective that young people bring.
• Young people can engage with their regional councillors: The EYR allows young people to engage with elected representatives in a way that moves beyond tokenism.

Core values

• Respect – We are committed to valuing each person’s view and making all feel welcome and included.
• Passion – We are committed to being positive and motivated by our purpose.
• Kaitiakitanga – We are committed to caring for the things that are precious to us, particularly our natural resources and each other.
• Resilience – We are committed to being determined and adaptable, and helping each other through the hard times.
• Integrity – We are committed to doing things for the right reasons and upholding our promises.

You will gain insight into the Regional Council, be provided with opportunities for personal and professional development, and be invited to youth and environmental events.

You can expect a bullying, harassment and discrimination free environment and Environment Canterbury staff to be available to provide support with any concerns or issues that arise.

Priority areas

The EYR prioritises giving a youth voice to the following areas:

• Advice to Councillors and staff – to inform process and decisions.
• Consultations and submissions – to influence decisions being made.
• Social media – to engage a wide range of young people in relevant issues.
• Organising events – to foster youth engagement with relevant issues.
• Learning and Development opportunities – Youth Rōpū members will be given relevant opportunities to upskill throughout their time as a member.

Past projects

• Developed foundation document and kaupapa.
• Established @ecan_youth_ropu Instagram page.
• Hosted the iSpeak Youth Connect on the Zero Carbon Act event in partnership with PYLAT (Pacific Young Leaders and Transformation Council) and Youth Voice Canterbury.
• Co-wrote a submission on the Zero Carbon Act and presented to the Select Committee.
• Supported the Christchurch Youth Council Amazing Race Event.
• Established relationship with Environment Canterbury Councillors and how to work together.
• Attended briefings on key Environment Canterbury portfolios.
• Successfully advocated for 2 youth members with full voting rights on the Environment Canterbury Regional Leadership, Climate and Community Resilience. Committee.
• Created the radio show ‘Fix it Up Waitaha’ with PlainsFM.
• MC’ed and presented at multiple events including Speaking for the Planet, the Enviroschools Celebration and the 2022 Social Sciences Conference.
• Wrote the foreword for the Environment Canterbury Climate Change Action Plan.