Youth Council

Meet your 2025 Youth Council
Five new Stratford District Youth Councillors were officially sworn in by District Mayor Neil Volzke on Tuesday 4 February. Alongside them, two returning councillors were re-sworn in after standing for a second two-year term.
Stella Alcala, Hunta Ngatai-Northcott, Justine Issac, Jessie Sene-lane, and Romero Cranstoun have joined returning members Justin Salisbury and Tatjana Hanne for their second term, and Lily Single, Cady Webb, Thiemo Hanne, Charlotte North, Lucas Jacobson, Saphire Brady, Sophie Lozell and Tess Hooker to make up the full Stratford District Youth Council (SDYC) for this year.
When reflecting on the decision to continue with SDYC, Justin Salisbury says, “I am still passionate about making a lasting impact in my community and ensuring that youth voices continue to be heard. Through my experience, I believe that I will be able to lead by example for our newest members so that we can all come together to make an even better Stratford community.”
Tatjana Hanne says, “I chose to be re-sworn in to SDYC as I have loved the way it has given me an ability to advocate for the youth of my community.”
In his opening comments at the swearing in ceremony, District Mayor Neil Volzke highlighted the important role of the youth council and the commitment they’re giving to their district.
“Being involved in the youth council is a great personal development journey and I congratulate everyone who applied,” he says. “It opens doors to many opportunities, both locally and further afield.”
“As elected members we have a really important relationship with the youth council, we like hearing their ideas and viewpoints and encourage them to get out and about in our community to foster feedback and get a good understanding of what our young people want and need in our district.”
“We want to create a place that our young people are proud to call home, and the youth council have a role to play in ensuring we’re doing the right thing for the future of our district.”
Over the coming weeks, youth councillors will get to know each other more as they head straight into event planning and delivery mode for their first community events together. These include:
- Children’s Day Party at Wai o Rua – Stratford Aquatic Centre, Sunday 2 March
- Colour in the Park, Sunday 9 March
Chair, secretary and other liaison roles will be determined at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 4 March.

Working on behalf of young people for over 20 years
Since 2003, Stratford District Youth Council (SDYC) has been championing local youth voices and running awesome youth events. As a team of youth aged 12 to 24 years old who live, work and/or go to school in the Stratford district, SDYC meets monthly to have input into Council activities, build leadership skills and plan future activities that benefit our local youth.
Youth Council contributes directly to the Stratford District Council’s community outcomes by:
- advocating for young people in the community;
- supporting initiatives of groups working with young people;
- providing engaging activities for young people.
Representatives
Our 2025 Youth Councillors are: Stella Alcala, Hunta Ngatai-Northcott, Justine Issac, Jessie Sene-lane, Romero Cranstoun, Justin Salisbury, Tatjana Hanne, Lily Single, Cady Webb, Thiemo Hanne, Charlotte North, Lucas Jacobson, Saphire Brady, Sophie Lozell and Tess Hooker.
Chair, secretary and other liaison roles will be determined at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 4 March.

Stay connected
To keep up to date on everything Stratford District Youth Council, check out their social media pages:

SDYC Annual General Meeting 2024
Further information
If you'd like to attend a meeting, share an idea, or raise an issue that's affecting young people in the district, please contact:
Community Development Team
Email: StratfordDC@Stratford.govt.nz
Phone: 06 765 6099