Young people aged between 14 and 19 years with a passion for the environment, an interest in local government and a talent for inspiring others are invited to apply for the 2019 Hawke’s Bay Youth Environment Council (YEC).

The students can join in an Ahuriri Estuary Clean Up planned for Friday 22 February from 4:30pm - 6:30pm as a taster event for students interested in joining YEC. This will start at the Humber Street Reserve beside Pandora Pond. The Youth Environment Council’s support team will be there to answer any questions from prospective members and to show them what the YEC is involved in. Refreshments will be supplied.

“We are looking for young people who are able to learn through teaching others and who are excited about trying different activities,” says the Youth Environment Council’s Facilitator Jake Brookie.

The programme for young people is coordinated by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The Youth Councillors gain an opportunity to work alongside the Council team to plan local events, advocate for the environment and be leaders in their schools and communities. Youth Council members with goals for university studies can also gain knowledge from Council scientists, engineers and planning.

In 2018 the YEC organised a documentary night and the ‘Green Games’ event at Taradale High School and were guests on Radio Kidnappers. Although many past Youth Councillors have come from Napier and Hastings, ideally they can come from all backgrounds and locations.

“It’s easy to connect by video links these days, so Youth Environment Councillors from Central Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa should be able to fully take part,” says Jake. “You don’t have to live nearby, and in fact, the more diverse the YEC, the better it can be!”

The Ahuriri meet up event is listed on www.hbrc.govt.nz and the Hawke’s Bay Youth Environment Council Facebook page. Students can also download an application to be a Youth Councillor from the regional council's website.

“We’re looking forward to meeting new potential Youth Councillors, and creating an exciting year for them,” says Jake.

© Scoop Media