Seeking new members for Stratford District Youth Council

Looking for local youth voices to join Stratford District Youth Council

Stratford District Youth Council (SDYC) is seeking new members for 2027. If you are 12 to 24 years old and live, work or go to school in the Stratford district, you are eligible to be a youth councillor and are invited to apply online at Stratford.govt.nz/SDYC by 27 October.

SDYC will farewell several members at the end of 2026 as they move on to new opportunities, creating space for new voices, fresh ideas and future leaders to join the table.

As she reflects on her time with SDYC, Co-Chair Saphire Brady says joining the youth council was one of the best decisions she has ever made. "I joined because I wanted to be part of something bigger and, honestly, it just looked so cool and I wanted in," says Saphire.

"The past three years have been some of the best. From events, submissions and training opportunities to representing young people and travelling to Wellington, I've had so many amazing experiences while giving back to the community and growing as a person."

Saphire says being part of a youth council that has run continuously since 2003, while other councils around the country have scaled theirs back, has been both an honour and a valuable learning experience.

"It teaches you so much, even skills you never realised you'd need. The training, support and experiences really help set you up for success in the future. It's a wonderful opportunity and one I'd encourage anyone to take," says Saphire.

Fellow Co-Chair Hunta Ngatai-Northcott, who was named a 2026 Stratford Youth Citizen Award recipient in July, says he originally joined SDYC to become more involved in his community and meet new people. "At the time, I don't think I really understood how much I'd get out of being part of the Youth Council," says Hunta.

"Looking back, I'm really glad I took the chance and applied because SDYC has given me opportunities I probably never would have put myself forward for otherwise. It's helped me build confidence, develop leadership skills and connect with people from across the community."

Hunta says some of his favourite memories have come from helping bring youth events to life. "Watching an idea turn into a real event that people enjoy is incredibly rewarding. It's also been amazing having opportunities to speak with people involved in both local and central government and knowing that young people's voices are being heard."

For those thinking about applying, Hunta says you do not need to be the most confident person in the room or have loads of leadership experience. "SDYC is a great way to meet people, get involved in your community and have a say in what happens around you. You get out of it what you put into it, and if you're willing to put yourself out there, there are so many opportunities that can come from it," says Hunta.

It is not all meetings and submissions. SDYC members say they have made life-long friendships, developed valuable life skills, and helped deliver popular youth events like Hydro Hype at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre, Pop-Up Cinema and Colour in the Park.

Online applications are open now at Stratford.govt.nz/SDYC and close on Tuesday 27 October 2026. Applicants will be contacted after applications close to arrange an interview time.

Follow SDYC on Instagram at @Stratfordnzyouthhcouncil for more on becoming a youth councillor. Anna-Louise Crane, Stratford District Council Community Development and Engagement Lead, is also on hand to answer questions. Contact Anna-Louise at ACrane@stratford.govt.nz or on 06 765 6099.

Background

• Stratford District Youth Council has been championing local youth voices and running events for youth since 2003.
• The Youth Council is made up of people aged between 12 and 24 years old who live, work or go to school in the Stratford district.
• They meet monthly to have input into Council activities, build leadership skills and plan future activities that benefit local youth.
• A copy of the SDYC Terms of Reference is available on request from ACrane@stratford.govt.nz.