Ruapehu Youth Council is one of four nationwide to receive a $5000 grant to go towards getting young people involved in leadership, volunteering and mentoring.
Youth Minister Nikki Kaye made the announcement last week as part of a $65,000 round of funding to support youth development opportunities.
She said the Ruapehu Youth Council's nomination stood out, and the funding would help it in leadership, volunteering and mentoring opportunities.
"Councils are at the forefront of ensuring that young people have an active voice in local decision-making, and many support local youth councils to develop and implement local initiatives for their peers," Ms Kaye said.
"We now have a new direction for youth development in New Zealand which is about increasing the number of youth development opportunities, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as developing greater cohesion between the Government, and business and philanthropic sectors to create these opportunities."