Waimarino youth ambassadors impress council

Emma Burnard, Samantha Reyes and Mac Madsen presented a great annual plan for Waimarino youth.

Young Waimarino ambassadors Mac Madsen, Samantha Reyes and Emma Burnard impressed Ruapehu District councillors this week.

Representing Waiouru Youth Ambassadors (WWYA) from the Ruapehu's Youth Council, the young people attended the Ohakune meeting on Wednesday to present their annual plan to council.

Deputy Mayor Marion Gillard said it was very exciting for council to see such impressive young people involved with the Ruapehu Youth Council and making a positive contribution to Ruapehu communities.

Samantha Reyes said they wanted to bring something new to the community with their annual plan.

"One of the key things we want to do is ensure that our activities reflect the thinking and needs of as many local youth as possible and not just the views of the youth ambassadors," she said.

"To help with this we have planned to undertake a youth survey that will help refine what annual plan projects go ahead.

"Some of the projects currently in our annual plan include planning for a youth centre in Raetihi and township beautification projects which we want to tie in with other revitalisation projects.

"The Youth Council is also planning to fundraise to help with our attendance at the Festival for the Future in Auckland in early August.

"We are hoping to raise enough to buy some special Ruapehu Youth Ambassador uniforms to wear at the festival."

Ruapehu youth liaison Samantha Arthur-Curtis said this will be the fourth year that the RYC has attended the Festival for the Future and has found it invaluable.

"The festival exposes our youth ambassadors to young innovators, thought leaders and inspirational speakers from New Zealand and overseas where they have the opportunity to connect, explore the big issues of our time, be inspired, and build ideas and skills to create for the future."

For more information on the Ruapehu Youth Council and how to get involved see the Ruapehu District Council website or their Facebook page.