The Youth Rōpū is a voluntary group for young people aged 14-24, coordinated by the Youth Engagement and Education Team at Environment Canterbury.
The goal of the Youth Rōpū is to build a relationship between the Council and young people to empower each other to be good stewards of our environment, now and for future generations.
Applications for the 2026 Rōpū have now closed. Keep an eye on our Instagram page to be the first to know about opportunities to be involved throughout the year!
The Youth Rōpū is a voluntary group for young people aged 14-24, coordinated by the Youth Engagement and Education Team at Environment Canterbury.
The goal of the Youth Rōpū is to build a relationship between the Council and young people to empower each other to be good stewards of our environment, now and for future generations.
Applications for the 2026 Rōpū have now closed. Keep an eye on our Instagram page to be the first to know about opportunities to be involved throughout the year!
We are looking for new Youth Rōpū representatives from across Waitaha/ Canterbury in these areas:
One in Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi
One in North Canterbury/Ōpukepuke
One in Christchurch West/Ōpuna
One in Christchurch South/Ōwhanga
One Christchurch North-East/Ōrei
Two in Christchurch Central/Ōhoko
One Mana whenua representative
To apply, please complete all the fields in this form and upload the required reference letter. This will help us learn about who you are, your skills and your leadership and community involvement. Once you submit the form, you'll receive a confirmation email.
Applications are open from Monday 13 October 2025 and close midnight on Sunday 14 December 2025. We will endeavor to notify applicants as soon after this as possible.
Please ensure that you are:
eligible to represent the takiwā you indicate as your constituency or that you whakapapa to
able to make the majority of monthly face to face meetings and online meetings when required.
“Young people should apply so they can be part of the conversation, a meaningful conversation which you feel included in and not dumbed down. I loved being in the Youth Rōpū to build my relationships with people I would have never met if not for our common purpose in this group. I’ve made so many genuine relationships in areas I am passionate about; not just for my hobbies but where I want to take my studies also. Such a warm and welcoming environment! I thought the group would be a time-filler, but I’ve gained so much more than that!” Erana Riddell
“Brilliant opportunity, a chance to help the community and learn heaps in the process. A tight-knit group of awesome innovative people.” Josh Earnshaw
“Every week I look forward to taking on new challenges, meeting new people, or being able to have my voice heard, and the Youth Rōpū is to thank for that.” Sophie Pye
