Join our Youth Rōpū

We are looking for seven new Youth Rōpū representatives from across Waitaha / Canterbury. 

2020 Youth Rōpū members

The Youth Rōpū  is a formalised group enthusiastic about the environment, civics and empowering young people. Now in its third year, it is looking for seven new representatives to join, representing: 

• two in Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi
• two in South Canterbury/Ōtuhituhi
• one in Christchurch North East/Ōrei
• two in Christchurch West/Ōpuna.

Application criteria

• You need to be aged 14-24.
• The representative from each constituency must either live in, go to school or work in, or be from that area.  
• The mana whenua representative must come from the Canterbury area.

Apply now

Visit our Youth Rōpū engagement hub page to find out more about what it involves to become a member of the group and how to apply. Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 26 September 2021. 

What is involved?

Youth Rōpū members speaking at a hui

To deliver on the group's five priority areas, members opt-in to a variety of ongoing and project-based teams.

Examples of these teams include:

• Social media – responsible for planning and running social media activities and posts.
• Coordination – responsible for the internal organisation of the Youth Rōpū.
• Partnerships – project-based team focused on building relationships with other youth organisations.
• Water Zone Committees – project-based team working to implement youth representatives on Canterbury Water Zone Committees.

Baseline commitment

• Members must attend every face-to-face and online meeting. However, an apology must be submitted if unable to attend. If no apology is received for three meetings, an Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū Executive Member or an Environment Canterbury staff member will be in contact.  
• Youth Rōpū members have a monthly meeting with Councillors to develop a shared understanding of the issues and opportunities that will shape the region for future generations, and to develop ways to influence them for the better.  
• All members must be part of a project-based team, and these will vary depending on the group’s interest.

Membership term

• Commitment is to a two-year term, unless reasonable notice is provided.  
• At the end of their term, a member can go through the application process for another one- or two-year term and can continue to apply for consecutive terms until they turn 25 years of age.
• They must step down at the first recruitment period after their 25th birthday.