Hastings Youth CouncilKaunihera rangatahi

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

My vision is that in 2021 we can really get our teeth into council policy, and build our reputation as a youth body that provides considered and relevant ideas and perspectives on how we deal with the issues facing our region, particularly in regards to our young people. I'd also like to see better support for young drivers, and more streamlined support networks for rangatahi. Running some killer events would also be awesome, considering many had to be cancelled last year.

A little bit about me

I've lived in Hastings my whole life, and am fortunate enough to be serving as Head Boy at Karamu High School, where I enjoy working with people to come up with solutions to improve the student experience. My passions include music, politics and debating, and I enjoy spending time walking or mountain biking up Te Mata peak.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

In a general sense, I would like to be a part of some sort of positive change that affects the youth of Hastings.  Increasing awareness around mental health is also on the cards for me, as is pushing youth based initiatives and events that are designed to entertain and educate.

A little bit about me

I'm year 12 at Hastings Boys High School.  I enjoy learning about different people and different cultures. In my spare I try to get outside, play a bit of sport or do other activities.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

Kia ora, I’m Calais! I’m a year 11 at Karamu Highschool. As a youth councillor I would like to be a positive influence for the youth of Hastings and be a voice for them too. 

A little bit about me

I love kapa haka, drama and public speaking. I enjoy putting myself out there and have a love for people. I have a strong interest in social media, especially Instagram @calais.byrne

A little bit about me.

My name is Esta Chaplin, I'm a year 11 at Karamu High School. I love to keep busy and find myself always doing something. 

Whether that be hanging out with friends, plant shopping, going on walks or signing myself up for everything.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

As a part of the youth council I want to achieve as much as possible, by doing as much as possible to provide a voice for Hastings youth. I'm all about getting things done, not just talking about it. I'm very keen to put forward loads of submissions to get youths' voices out there! I'm beyond excited to be part of the 2021 youth council.

What I would like to achieve as a Hastings youth councillor?

Our beautiful city has amazing sporting grounds, stimulating educational environments and significant heritage landmarks – all with great people behind them that make them vibrant and modern – and in many cases, our rangatahi just need to be connected with the right place and the right people to thrive. This year, as a Deputy Chair of the Hastings Youth Council, I’m looking to help people find people and to show that together, our next generation can take the world by storm.

A little bit about me 

Born in the UK but bred in Heretaunga, I live for connections. When I’m not joining tutors to learners as Deputy Head Boy of Lindisfarne College, I’m getting in touch with Tāne Mahuta or enjoying the gifts from the Fruit Bowl of New Zealand, and encouraging others to do the same

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

As a youth councillor I would like to continue to address and create change on issues such as sustainability and climate change through contributing the youths voice on these issues to the council strategies, policies, and proposed changes around the Hastings district. I would like the Youth Council to contribute to several climate related projects this year. 

A little bit about me

I have two pet pigs, I love to travel, and I live in a house made of straw and mud.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings youth councillor?

As a HDC Youth Councillor and a member of the Environmental Subcommittee I would like to gage support, begin discussions, and explore pathways for the requirement that all new constructions in Hastings have a rainwater catchment system and solar panels 

A little bit about me. 

I’m a year 13 student attending St John’s College and have lived in Hastings my whole life. I enjoy debating and like to keep up with NZ politics. It’s important to me that the council consider our opinions and recommendations seriously and don’t view the Youth Council as token.

What I would like to achieve as a Hastings District Youth Councillor.

As a Hastings Youth Councillor, I would like to achieve a more positive future for our generation and for many more to come. I want to make the current generations understand that they are powerful and can be heard, and it is okay to be who you really are and let your insecurities show. 

A little bit about me...

I am a year 12 student at Hukarere Girls’ College. I am the first Hukarere girl to have a role on the Hastings District Council. I come from the small town of Tokoroa. I love listening to music especially while I study. I push myself to do my absolute best and am a high achiever.

A little bit about me

Hey I’m Daniel O'Connell, a year 12 student at Karamu high school.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

I’m here to help provide opportunities and options for the youth of Hastings, while also building a better future for the Hastings district

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

My name is Lena and I joined the youth council to influence positive change in our community and to prove age is no barrier in life. 

A little bit about me.

I like to fill my spare time by creating digital designs and painting, as well as all things dance.

What would I like to do as a Hastings Youth Councillor? 

As a Hastings Youth Councillor, I want to be able to be a part of creating positive change for the youth, working together with like minded people to ensure that our world is much safer, supportive and cleaner for the future. I would like to, not only bring awareness of issues faced by the youth but create impactful action that will benefit the future. I want to find and implement ways we can make our community more sustainable and environmentally friendly as well as support the youth by providing ample resources for their wellbeing and future.

A little bit about me:

My name is Hirushi Perera, I’m 17 years old and I’m currently a Year 13 student at Hastings Girls’ High School. I am tremendously passionate about science, all kinds of science and how the world around us works. Some hobbies of mine include baking, digital design as well as giving my time to help out at school and local communities.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

Kia ora, my name is Chanay and I’m 22. My expectation is that I can provide the right support and uphold our values as council members. I also would grow my own knowledge around politics and having courageous conversations.

A little about myself

I enjoy playing sports any chance I get. Netball and touch. I love eating food, like a good burger from Carl's Jnr.  

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

I feel that I have got a never-ending stimulus to bring about continuous progress and positive change in my community and my district.I can see and think of a number of things which the Youth wants and of things which need to change and upgrade. Being a Youth Councillor, in reality, gives me a platform to put the thoughts and ideas into action and reality, which will then actually help.n

About Me?

I love talking about the policies I believe in, like change, innovation, and actions. Apart from being a Youth Councillor, I am also the Internal Board Member at EIT's Student Association, where I act as a voice of all the tertiary students in Hawkes Bay. I am also the Youth and Student Representative to the Multicultural Association Hawkes Bay Inc, where I represent the Youth and Students from our Ethnic Communities in Hawkes Bay, and I am also a Student Mentor with EIT’s International Department.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings youth councillor?

Hey I’m Zoë, I’m 17 and I’m a returning Youth councillor. My goals for the Hastings youth council this year is for our voices as young people to be heard at the council table. I want to see a change in the Hastings community, I’d love to see more youth taking up employment opportunities as well as feeling as though they are supported to achieve their goals and can express themselves.  

A bit about myself

I’m a waitress at Mary’s restaurant and Oak estate restaurant, I love music. I play guitar and piano. As well as getting outside and doing some exercise

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings Youth Councillor?

I would like to help make a difference in the community, even if it’s small.

A little bit about me

I’m a year 13 student at Havelock North High School with a passion for people and culture.

What would I like to achieve as a Hastings youth councillor?

I would like to make Hastings a place known for its expression and known for how much its youth expresses who they are and what they like to do.

A little bit about me...

My name is Makaere wainohu.

I love expressing myself through many art forms I draw and share my art with the internet. I also like to play the piano and the drums and learn more instruments.

What would I like to achieve as an Hastings youth councillor?

I like my views and ideas to represent a wide audience so everyone feels listened to. I'm looking forward to this year in the youth council as it gives me an opportunity to make changes in areas where I feel need change. I want to make changes in how the Hastings District deals with environmental issues and want to help build the future that my generation wants. My goal is to help prepare us for the ever changing world we will live in in the future.

A little bit about me

Hi, my name is Harry Wixon, and I'm a year 12 student at Lindisfarne College. I have a strong passion for the environment and design, and am a person who likes to think critically about issues posed to me.