Carterton

from Wairarapa Midweek Wed 6th April

Extra

Jade Davies

jade.davies@age.co.nz

Carterton students expressed their views on local matters at a Carterton District Council (CDC) meeting last week.

The Carterton Youth Council (CYC) was formed in 2021, and Deputy Mayor Rebecca Vergunst said it was something the council had always wanted.

CDC said the CYC provided more opportunities for youth participation, “extending the diversity of youth voices in our communities”.

“The CYC is a group of passionate rangatahi, who want to make Carterton and Wairarapa the best place it can be for their whānau and friends,” a CDC spokesperson said.

“While their journey is relatively new, our CYC members want to create opportunities for other young people and are keen to lend their voices on council and community matters.”

CDC community development coordinator Tammy Merriman was responsible for setting up and running the CYC.

So far, she has helped the group of students from diff erent schools to plan summer whānau days, design their logo, and manage a social media channel.

“It’s fantastic to see our youth getting involved in the community through the youth council, and I’m excited to see what they can achieve this year,” Merriman said.

“Their voice and contribution are really valuable, and we’re pleased to work with them on the issues and opportunities which aff ect them.”

At an online council meeting on March 30, CYC members David Chapman and Angela-Marie Bell shared the group’s views on the proposed Carterton Park upgrades and West Taratahi trail.

Chapman said the CYC was in favour of the park upgrades and wanted to be a part of the project.

“It is going to create a place that people will want to go to,” he said.

“It is going to be a great place for everyone.”

However, the group recommended gauging the community’s reaction to stage one of the park developments before moving forward with stage two.

Bell provided feedback on the council’s West Taratahi trail project which would introduce a new 12 km recreational trail to the region.

“We feel this trail would be very benefi cial for youth, especially for youth learning how to ride a bike.

“It would be a lot safer than an open road but still gives the same eff ect — and builds their confi dence so that they can cycle on the road more confi dently and safely.”

Mayor Greg Lang said the CYC had raised “very good points” during the meeting and that the council would take them on board.

“We are so lucky to have the CYC — and there are not many councils that will read an agenda like we’ve got for today’s meeting and be able to comment as you have.”

Councillor Steve Cretney said members of the CYC would be the region’s future leaders.

“I’m really grateful to have the youth council’s input into some of our decision-making.”

Due to council meetings falling within school hours, Vergunst said they were looking at alternative ways for CYC to provide feedback. The CYC were also considering sending pre-recorded videos to the council.

The group were planning to promote youth involvement in the upcoming local body elections.

Carterton’s youth council joins council meeting. Carterton students get involved in youth council. PHOTO/SUPPLIED