Young people helping to shape the future of Porirua City

Safe spaces for young people to mix and more multi-school events for collaboration and celebration are what the young future leaders of Porirua would change if they were in charge.

Students from Aotea and Mana colleges Te Kura Maori o Porirua, Whitby Collegiate, He Huarahi Tamariki and the Graham Dingle Foundation had the chance to tell this to Mayor Anita Baker and local councillors at the Porirua Mayoral Forum held in May 2023, to celebrate Youth Week.

Councillor, Josh Trilin, and youth advocate, Elaina Tupia, were our vibrant inclusive MC’S, with hey-ho’s and milli milli as well as a rousing pūkana challenge.

Rangatahi participated in interactive activities including picking a picture that best summed up Porirua to them, completing a quiz on Porirua and the Council, discussing how Porirua will have changed by 2033 and what they would do if they were Mayor.

Students loved the interactive nature of the day, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with other schools at an event that wasn’t sports orientated. They were happy to be heard and interact with their local councillors in a fun way.

The purpose of the event was for Porirua City Council to capture a current snapshot of what is important to the youth of Porirua, focusing on the opportunity for the very important and sometimes ignored youth voice to be heard. The Mayor and councillors appreciated the feedback from the rangatahi, saying both goals were achieved.

Mayor, Anita Baker, closed the event by expressing her gratitude on hearing “the rangatahi voice” and said she would like to consult more with the individual schools.

Many students indicated they are keen to be involved in more consultation with the Council, particularly in their interest areas, so the goal is to organise mini youth hui for them.