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Youth participation > Local government
Local government youth participation project
The findings from a nationwide youth participation needs analysis of local government now form the basis of the Ministry of Youth Development's Local Government Youth Participation Project plan.
At the end of 2005 two nationwide needs analyses were conducted with
local government (surveys were sent to all territorial authorities
[TAs] as well as youth councils) around the country.
The recommendations now form the basis of our Local Government Youth Participation Project plan. The objectives of the project are to:
- support local government in the development of effective youth participation
- increase local government responsiveness to young people’s opinions, issues and ideas
- foster greater involvement of young people in local government
- support the development of youth councils attached to local government and independent youth councils.
Findings
A summary of the survey findings can be downloaded below.
Overall the responses from youth councils produced a useful picture of youth council
activity around New Zealand ranging from details about the average age
and length of service of youth councillors, to main activities
conducted, council initiatives involved in, budget and training needs.
A majority of local government respondents (70%) indicated that they would like
youth participation training in their workplace. The priority areas
identified for future youth participation training for TAs were:
- practical youth participation tools (55%)
- how to consult with young people (52%)
- how to work with young people on committees and boards (42%).
A significant majority (80%) of respondents indicated that a local
government specific resource for involving young people would help them
in their work.
Resource to support TAs
The first step in implementing the local
government youth participation project will be a resource to provide guidance to TAs on how to develop a youth policy,
strategy or plan. This will be available on this website in July.
Youth in Local Government Conference 2006
The fourth bi-annual Youth in Local Government Conference was held
from 25 to 26 September 2006 in New Plymouth. For more information, see
the link below.
Kids Voting
Kids Voting gives Year Nine students the opportunity to participate in
an authentic voting experience. Students vote for real
candidates, on a real ballot paper, and compare the results from the
Kids election with the results of the real election. The link below
provides you with information about Kids Voting and how
you can be part of it for the 2007 Local Government elections.
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