OurAuckland news

Improving the wellbeing of Auckland's young people 

Published: Friday 26 October 2012 
Councillor Michael Goudie (centre back) with young people at the 2011 Youth Summit on the Auckland Plan discussion document. 
Councillor Michael Goudie (centre back) with young people at the 2011 Youth Summit on the Auckland Plan discussion document. 

One of the aims of the 30-year Auckland Plan, which was adopted in March 2012, is to improve the prospects of Auckland’s children and young people. This is a key part of making Auckland the world’s most liveable city.

There are many ways the council and Auckland’s 21 local boards are interacting with children and young people and helping to improve facilities and services for them.

Youth Advisory Panel

Set up in August 2012, the council’s Youth Advisory Panel aims to identify and communicate the interests and preferences of Auckland’s young people.

The panel, which is made up of young people from across Auckland, has helped the council plan its events schedule, and provided feedback on the best ways to involve young people in public consultation for council plans and strategies

"It has been an awesome learning experience, and a start to ensuring young people have a say on what 'putting the needs of children and young people first' actually means to them," says the panel's chair, Flora Apulu, who represents the Manurewa Local Board area.

Mayor Len Brown with the Youth Advisory Panel.

Mayor Len Brown with the Youth Advisory Panel. (L-R) Kristina Kim, Haley Magele, Sarah MacCormick, Vernon James, Jason Mareroa (deputy chair), Flora Apulu (chair), Wairaka Mason, Janice Auvaa and Palak Mehta. From February 2013, the panel will consist of one representative from each of the 21 local board areas.

Children and Young People Strategic Action Plan

Last month, the Auckland Plan Committee approved proposals for developing the Children and Young People Strategic Action Plan (CYPSAP).

The plan will be based on comments made by the 5000 young people who submitted feedback during the development of the Auckland Plan. It will help to make Auckland a great place for children, young people and their whanau to live, study, work and play.

Development of the draft CYPSAP is taking place now, with input from the Youth Advisory Panel and other stakeholders. A draft CYPSAP is expected to be ready in March. Children and young people will help design and develop the draft plan to make sure it is relevant.

For more information, email CYP@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call 09 301 0101.

The Auckland Plan

Auckland Council's work to improve the wellbeing of children and young people contributes to the goals of the Auckland Plan, an overall vision for our region that fits in with the council's other plans and strategies.

You can read the Auckland Plan online, or at your local library, council service centre or local board office.