Partners and advisory groups
Council works with partners and advisory groups to make sure we hear a range of voices, and are working to build a better district and future for all...
Kāpiti Coast Youth Council | Ngā Rangatahi O Kāpiti
The Kāpiti Coast Youth Council is a volunteer group that meets once a month to provide advice to Council on the needs, thoughts and ideas of young people aged 14–24 years living in Kāpiti. The Youth Council undertakes a range of activities including:
- Advocating for young people’s voices.
- Supporting youth led projects.
- Connecting young people to their community.
- Educating young people on civic issues.
Want to join the Kāpiti Coast Youth Council?
The Kāpiti Coast Youth Council are looking for new members and applications are now open! If you are between the ages of 14 and 24 years and live on the Kāpiti Coast (that’s anywhere from Paekākāriki to Ōtaki) we want to hear from you. We want a Youth Council that reflects the diversity of our community – so whatever your background and interests, apply now if this sounds like a bit of you!
Why join the Kāpiti Coast Youth Council?
Youth Council is a great way for young people to have a say about what matters to you. Being on Youth Council means you hear about issues in your community and you can make sure young people have a voice and are heard – especially when big decisions are being made that affect you!
The power of Youth Council is all about you – the young people who want to speak up and do cool things for your people and community.
This year we are on a mission to make Youth Council the best it can be. We want Youth Council to work for you. That means we are keen to try out different ways of doing things and are open to hearing all your thoughts and ideas on how to make it the best.
Who can apply?
Youth Council is open to all young people. Whether you’re a young parent, sporty, good at school, job hunting, studying, or still figuring out your path, we want you! If you’re keen and can say yes to the below, we’d love to hear from you.
You must be:
- 14–24 years old.
- Live in the Kāpiti Coast District (Paekākāriki up to Ōtaki).
- Able to attend our awesome Orientation Day on Sunday 15 March 2026, 9am–4pm. This is where you will meet everyone!
- Able to attend a youth council meeting on the third Monday of every month 4–6pm.
- Able to work with others.
18 and older?
This year we have some cool opportunities for Youth Council members aged 18–24 to work on projects that are just for older youth in our community (18–24). We will meet separately as a project group, and this is where you can share what you think Kāpiti needs to be a great place for older youth. All ideas are welcome – this group will be what you make it!
Important dates
- Monday 26 January: Applications open
- Sunday 22 February: Applications close
- Monday 23 February – Friday 6 March: Shortlisting and Interviews
- Sunday 15 March, 9am–4pm: Orientation Day!
- Monday 16 March, 4–6pm: First Youth Council Meeting for 2026! This will be held in Council Chambers
What you need to know
- Being on the Youth Council will take about 2–3 hours per month of your time.
- We meet on the third Monday of every month from 4–6pm.
- We usually meet in Council (Paraparaumu near Coastlands).
- Every now and then we will meet in other locations (always in Kāpiti). We can help you get to and from meetings when we change locations.
- Sometimes we form specific project groups who may meet separately, such as our 18–24-year-old project group above.
- You must be able to attend the orientation day.
- You must be able to attend the first youth council meeting and commit to the monthly meetings.
- We will be in contact once applications close on Sunday 22 February 2026 – If you are shortlisted, you will be asked to come along to an interview
Apply now!
Ready to apply or know someone who should apply? Apply here
Got questions or want to talk about applying? Email us now!
Related Links
- Terms of Reference Kāpiti Coast Youth Council [PDF 318 KB]