Youth Action

Introduction to Youth Action

What's our goal?

Through the Youth Action policy we aim to make Auckland the First City of the Pacific for you, the young people of Auckland – a city where you can "live long and prosper". It will be a city where you are encouraged to be independent and make an active contribution, but where someone can give you a helping hand when you need one. It will be a place where you respect your environment, city and community, and you will be respected for it. Auckland will be your home – a place where you belong.

Who is the Youth Action policy aimed at?

Youth Action is for all 12-24 year olds. We chose this age range because you and others, such as the Ministry of Youth Affairs, told us to!

How did Auckland City develop it?

Youth Action was adopted in 2000 after extensive consultation and youth involvement. Youth Action was reviewed in 2003 through consultation and research.

Things Auckland City value

Accessibility (removing barriers, providing opportunities): making the city's services accessible and easy for young people to use.
Prosperity (good times): young people having good times and great opportunities.
Diversity (be unique): celebrating and expressing your different ethnicities, cultures, ages, lifestyles, strengths and talents.
Communication (it's cool to korero!): communicating with you openly and honestly, and in ways that are interesting.

Auckland City's principles

These are the things we take into account in Youth Action.

The Treaty of Waitangi: we'll actively engage rangatahi, iwi and Maori in the implementation of Youth Action.
Equity: we'll be fair when dealing with all young people, no matter what your circumstances.
Democracy with participation: we'll encourage you to get involved and help to shape and make Auckland city a great place for young people.

Auckland City's roles

Wondering exactly what role Auckland City will play when it comes to young people?

Advocate: sometimes we'll represent you and your views, other times we'll work with you to get results.
Resource provider: we'll help to provide the services, facilities, information and advice that you need, and we'll encourage others to help out too.
Funder: Auckland City has a community group assistance policy and funding is available for some youth-related projects and activities. Contact us for application details.
Auckland City Youth Council support: we support the Auckland City Youth Council, a group of young people who represent you.
Coordinator, networker, facilitator: we'll help make things happen and assist with events, activities and forums where young people can meet.

Your contribution

The goal and objectives of the Youth Action policy are based on what you've said you want your city to be like. You have told us that you want a city that feels safe, has lots to do, where you can use public transport and express yourself culturally and artistically.

Some of the roles you could play to help make this happen are:

Advocate: make sure decision-makers hear your views
Participate: join in local projects, attend Auckland City Youth Council meetings
Organise: arrange events or activities in your community
Auckland City Youth Council membership: join the Auckland City Youth Council to share your views and represent other young people
Respect: value and look after yourself and your community - the people, the places and the environment.

In this policy there are a few ideas of how you can be involved in Youth Action. Got other ideas? Share them with your friends or school, bring them to the next Auckland City Youth Council meeting, make an action plan and go do it. If you need a helping hand to get it off the ground, let us know, we may be able to help.

What's in the Youth Action policy

The ideas and issues identified by young people in the development of the policy and in the review are under the following headings: