Youth Council

Members

Andrew Harland-Smith
Aritra Ray
Chantell Nelisi
Clara Kim
Dexter Henderson
Fay Nelisi

Guanting Liu
Harriet Spratt
Jayran Mansouri
Kate Boersen
Natasha Sarkar
Olivia Boddy

Sam Beanland
Samson Tonga
Seraphina Kim
Sinovita Tonga
Zachary Castles

Andrew Harland-Smith
	I would like to see a greater linkage of youth councils and although we are restricted in terms of funding to our own city. Street gangs are a huge issue facing the youth of Auckland and I would like to see a reduction of criminal street gangs and an increase of youth groups which take the place (legally of course) of these gangs. Groups associated with - R. M my youth group
Aritra Ray
	There is something great about devoting time and resources voluntarily to such an organization as ACYC, which just makes it worth the while. The feeling of elation which invades your body and soul after having finally carried a major project to completion; the excitement that one feels when one sees the multitude of young faces at events such as the Awards Project; and finally, the notion that one is making a difference. I know it may sound corny, but there it is. I truly believe that we, as Youth can make an impact on the way Our City is run, today and in the Future. And as a result we need people, committed and determined to making a sustainable change, which will make sure Our Views, and Our Ideas are implemented in the City. Groups associated with - University of Auckland Debating Society, Probasee Bengali Association, Past Member of the Winstone Park Tennis Club, Mount Roskill Grammar School (past pupil of and previously affiliated with many other clubs), Utting Mills Research (UMR), Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Orchestra, University of Auckland Biological Sciences Staff Student Committee, University of Auckland Medical and Health Sciences Staff Student Committee, Auckland University Student's Association.
Chantell Nelisi
	I joined up ACYC well to meet new friends from many other networks, to also tell about my networks and also what was there to help out other young youths around the community, not in just my own area but also in other regions. Its just an excitement in sharing our own ideas and thoughts on about projects and other topics knowing that you are being listened to. Groups associated with - Newton PIPC Niuean Youth, Newton PIPC Bible Class, Onehunga Co-Operating Parish Niuean Sunday School, Tamakautoga Youth.
Clara Kim
	I decided to join Auckland City Youth Council so I could help the youth in Auckland allow their thoughts and opinions to be heard and I would like to make a difference in the city I live in. I thought it would be a great experience to get involved in some of the projects ACYC has this year and develop team working and leadership skills. I am interested in art, music, sports, I enjoy going to the beach and I love spending time with my friends. Groups associated with - Primal East (Christian Youth Group), EGGS Green group, EGGS junior debating, basketball, soccer team.
Dexter Henderson
	I joined ACYC as I thought it would be a good place to meet other young people interested in our community. I have enjoyed the activities and meetings I have been involved in so far. I especially enjoyed helping at Converse 05 an the ACYC Training camp. I am looking forward to participating in more activities with ACYC and I hope I can make a useful contribution. Groups associated with - Western Springs School Council, Sports Academy, Aikido. I represent my school in Waterpolo, Rugby and Cricket.
Fay Nelisi
	I'm in the ACYC because of my own choice, from hearing all the things ACYC is involved in I became excited in joining and helping out with bringing out the voices and ideas of the youths of Auckland city. Also being able to go back to my groups that I am involved in and telling them how they can make a difference, a change if they are to say what they think of the city. A joy of excitement over comes me in being a member of the ACYC, you are able to meet new people, be involved in the many projects that are set out and more joy when they are accomplished and done. Being able to contribute in a little or a big way is a major big thing. Every little thing counts... It's a great feeling being on ACYC for me, even though time is taken away from me I know that it's worth the time because when you are able to see the out come of it all, then you will know it was worth it was worth it!!! and not to forget the members of ACYC are all friendly, welcoming and very funny in their own special way. Groups associated with - Newton PIC Niuean Youth group, Newton PIC Bible Class, Tamakautoga Netball & kilikiki team.
Guanting Liu (Guanny) - Chair
	At the mere age of 4, when asked what I wanted to become when I'm older, I'd puff out my chest and announce: "The United Nations Chairperson!" More than a decade later, here I am on the Auckland City Youth Council. Not quite the UN, but it's a start. My ambitions have somewhat changed, I now plan to enter the exciting world of journalism when I finish school - instead of being a politician, I will simply badger them with questions. I guess what I love about ACYC so much is the opportunity to really make a difference. It provides me a way to turn my opinions into ideas, and my ideas into actions. Not only that, but I can represent my peers and make sure their voices are heard as well. Auckland is a great city for young people, but there is always room for improvement. So that's what we're here for, to make sure that Auckland keeps up with the fast pace of today's youth, and never gets out of date. Groups associated with - Kidsline, St Cuthbert's College Writing Group, STCC Performing Arts Commitee, STCC Advanced Debating Team.
Harriet Spratt
	I first joined because of the usual, to have my say and help youth have their say in the city we live in, to really make a difference and get involved in making our city better for us young people. As time went on, i realised that my "inner-geek" was coming out. I was never a geek before but my dad is so it was in my blood! When I was around the people at ACYC I realised that we can have fun, discuss how we want to improve our city and help our youth; without "dumbing it down". I realised that we all have an "inner-geek" and we gotta let him pull his pants higher than usual and put our glittery thinking caps on! I love sports, and acting is awesome as I love being the centre of attention, I am a great seamstress and painter and my friends are the best thing ever! Groups associated with - EPIC(youth group) EGGS netball, EGGS trampolining, EGGS waterpolo snr. B, EPIC welcome team leader and new comers phone member and EGGS student class council messenger.
Jayran Mansouri
	I'm on the ACYC because I want to help people in my community and be a leader. Also, I want to make the most of my opportunities to get involved in my community. I want to spend my spare time doing things that are productive and meaningful for my community instead of just lounging around in front of the television all day. I'm into politics, so ACYC seems an excellent opportunity to get involved. I want to see more young people in Auckland getting off the couch and realizing the big picture and getting involved in their community. Groups associated with - Brass band, school librarian, school choir, ice skating.
Kate Boersen
	I joined ACYC for the following reasons so I can become more active in my wider community with more responsibility, and so I can further develop leadership skills. to convey to the Auckland City Council the voice of youth - Voice the opinions of my peers with whom I interact so that our ideas may be heard so that the environment around us can be the best that it can be, socially and physically and that the environment will meet the needs of all age groups learn more about the wider Auckland community to help to encourage youth to get more involved in events within the Auckland area. Groups associated with - Senior orchestra, Chamber orchestra, Netball, Badminton, Junior debating.
Natasha Sarkar
	I have always been interested in politics and, as corny as it may sound, in actually making a difference. I am opinionated and do care about the city I live in. Being a part of Auckland City Youth Council has really opened my eyes and taught me that no matter how old you are you can make a difference and can be heard. In my first year of ACYC I have meet many amazing people, learnt so many new things and have had so much fun along the way. Youth make up a huge portion of Auckland City and being able to represent them and their opinions it's vital and for me to have that opportunity is something I truly value. I strongly advise for anyone interested in making a difference in Auckland City to come and be a part of ACYC! Groups associated with - EGGS School Council, Panmure Netball Club, NZ Sea Cadets, Film Society, Cadets International Exchange, EGGS Soccer, Netball, Cricket and Yatching team, School Debating.
Olivia Boddy
	I am on ACYC as it's a really good opportunity to voice Auckland's youth opinions and make some changes in the Auckland area. I am really interested in politics and this seems like the perfect place to voice my ideas and get involved with the community. Its also a great opportunity to share our resources and ideas with other networks and groups. It's great to share your opinions and voice your ideas and know that someone really does care and take interest in what you are saying. ACYC is involved with so much and its amazing ! It's a great opportunity because you can make a difference also you are able to meet new people, be involved in the many projects and share your thoughts. I love sports, drama , theatre, movies, music and going out and having a good time. Also my friends are really important to me.
Sam Beanland
	I joined ACYC at the start of 2005 so I could make a difference in the Auckland community. Working with and for Youth is worthwhile and I enjoy the achievements we can make with ACYC. I started at Volunteering Auckland in April last year as the librarian and joined the board of trusties in August as the youth representative. I spend a lot of time volunteering with the university and am working as a Uniguide, helping students integrate into university life both new students from New Zealand and overseas. Before I moved to Auckland I spent time with Students Against Driving Drunk and World Vision. Whiles working with SADD I spent time educating and informing both students and parents on the dangers of driving drunk and how using positive peer pressure to reinforce our message. When I was volunteering for world vision I coordinated the 40-hour famine at my school in both 2002 and 2003 and was rewarded with the encouraging achievements of my school. I am looking forward to doing more in the Auckland community as the opportunities arise.
Samson Tonga
	I was introduced to Youth Council through my dad who is involved with a lot of different community work. So he bought me and my sister to attend the training and work shops and this is where I was inspired by what this youth group has to offer and also what I had to offer them. I later then joined Youth Council and I have found that Youth Council has allowed me to have a voice and have a say in different issues and discussions regarding youth. Another reason why I joined Youth Council was having the knowledge that you can help other youth and also that you can meet new people on Youth Council and other community groups. As a result of still being in Youth Council it has helped build confidence in freely speaking and having great friends in Auckland City Youth Council. Groups associated with - I am part of our community youth group, church youth group and also W.A.G. (Wesley Advisory Group).
Seraphina Kim
	I'm a member of Auckland City Youth Council because I feel that it's a great opportunity to get involved, meet other young people and contribute positively in helping solve the issues we face. I feel very privileged to be part of ACYC because I am provided with opportunities to get involved in projects, develop my leadership skills and we have the potential to really make a difference. Groups associated with - St Cuthbert's College (Leader) Student Council, St Cuthbert's College Production group, Amnesty International, Open A Basketball Team, Debating.
Sinovita Tonga
	I got into youth council through my dad who is involved with a lot of community work. So, being the obedient daughter I am I joined Youth Council. Before I became a member, I attended workshops and became fascinated with the work. As a young Pacific Islander, our voices are not heard very much but what I found in Youth Council has allowed Pacific Island youth voices to be heard. Youth Council allows our voices to be heard and I have the opportunity to help some voices to be heard. As a result of being a member I have learnt a lot of skills and the confidence to do a lot of things. I have also made a lot of awesome friends and am so privileged to be on Youth Council. Groups associated with - Tongan Community Youth for Wesley. The Church of Jesus Christ of the latter day saints youth group and newly involved with W.A.G. (Wesley Advisory Group).
Zachary Castles - Deputy
	I want to see a much larger participation from youth at events and in the happenings of our awesome city. ACYC is the perfect way to try and achieve this. Personally, I want to get involved, work with neat people and work with the youth of the city to make Auckland an even better place to live in. Despite there being no major negative issues facing my fellow youth, I do think that youth need to be considered in all parts of our communities. New Zealand is renowned for its inclusion of youth both nationally and internationally and as a Member of ACYC I want to see that this continues. Youth do tend to be stereotyped by what we know as "Society". When a young person stuffs up, whether it be a "druggie" or vandal, Society itself looks at the group rather than the individual without actually addressing the problem. Youth are unique and should be given the same respect as any adult member in our community and should not be judged on the grounds of the actions of single individuals Personally, I have a vast interest in politics as a filed in which I would hopefully pursue a career in one day. I enjoy, movies, music, hanging out with friends, debating. For the city, I am interested in issues that effect both the ratepayer, the citizen and the youth. These mainly are the environment, the economy and transport. Groups associated with - St Peter's College Librarian, UNYANZ, New Zealand Young Nationals, Students for Global Democracy, Provoke Youth Voice Advocate, Member of Youth Parliament 2007, St. Peter's College Debating, Greyfriars Church Youth Group.