August 12 is International Youth Day and in anticipation of this special occasion, Auckland mayoral candidate Efeso Collins is releasing his plans for young Aucklanders.

“The theme for this year’s international youth day is to leave no one behind, and so it’s appropriate for me to release my plans for our rangatahi in Tamaki Makarau Auckland - as that theme is very much at the heart of how I will lead Auckland Council,” Collins says.

“At the centre of my policies for our rangatahi/ youth is the aim to build a more inclusive Council where the voice of rangatahi are treasured and valued when shaping the city and its future.

“Covid 19 has presented significant challenges for Council and rangatahi voices are instrumental to the recovery phase. Council needs to increase civic participation and education amongst rangatahi and more importantly foster young leadership that will drive transformational change.”

Among Collins’ raft of proposals, he will establish a Youth Governing Board where young people can develop their leadership skills and gain insight into the governance and operations of Auckland Council.

He will also ensure Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Council’s Community and Social Innovation unit implement meaningful strategies that boost the youth economy by ensuring 16-24-year-olds are effectively guided into sustainable employment, training, innovation and entrepreneurship and away from sunset industries.

“Central to my decision to run for mayor was the desire to see a better city passed on to my children and their peers, so it’s essential young people’s voices are heard, as well as ensuring we are doing all we can as a Council so young people are engaged in education, employment or training and we are providing quality programmes and facilities to enable this.”

August 12 is also the last day for voters to enroll so they can get their ballot papers mailed to them by September 18 (with October 7 being the last day voters can enrol and vote via special voting papers), so Collins wants to use this opportunity to encourage young people to have their say, regardless of their politics.

“Our right to vote has been secured by the hard work of so many before us, including passionate young people who wanted to be included in the decisions shaping their future. We owe it to ourselves and those who fought for our voting rights to make sure we exercise our voices and get involved in elections, whether it's just through voting or supporting a political campaign - so please celebrate this special day by getting enrolled to vote.”

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