Two young Far North District councillors have been recognised nationally for their leadership skills.
Moko Tepania, 29, has been appointed co-chairman of the Local Government New Zealand Young Elected Members' Committee, which represents elected members under the age of 40 on the LGNZ National Council.
It has 10 members selected from around the country, the Far North District Council being the only authority with two representatives.
Councillor Rachel Smith represents the Zone 1 geographic area, while Tepania is Te Maruata Roopu Whakahaere representative, another national council subcommittee that is focused on promoting Māori representation and participation in local government.
Smith is also an elected member of the LGNZ Governance and Strategy Advisory Group.