For youth, by youth — celebrating a decade of empowerment

The Howick Youth Council (HYC), established and funded by Howick Local Board, celebrated its decennial anniversary at a special event this weekend with several achievements to its credit.

Over the past ten years since its establishment in 2011, hundreds of youth council members have contributed more than 50,000 volunteer hours working to build the council what it is today.

For youth, by youth; this has gone into engaging thousands of rangatahi in east Auckland in 80-plus volunteer-run projects, events and youth-focused consultations.

Howick Local Board Chair Adele White says the work of HYC has been commendable.

“Our local board never ceases to be amazed at the work these young people do on an annual basis, to bring together, mentor, inform and support the youth of the Howick ward.

“It has been a pleasure to see the Youth Council show great pride in their achievements, and to watch each member grow into a confident and capable young leader, well ready to face the world.

“We know our community will be in great hands in the years to come.”

Some of Howick Youth Council members with Howick Local Board members and Councillor Paul Young (first from bottom left) at their 10-year anniversary celebrations

In 2017 and 2018, the youth council carried out consultations with hundreds of youth on public transport and the Howick Local Board Plan.

In 2019, it ran its Youth Survey which was the first comprehensive survey of youth in east Auckland and has informed youth council decision making since.

In the year 2020, despite the pandemic, HYC members delivered 21 projects — including the third annual East Auckland Youth Visual Arts Showcase which saw 45 young artists have their works exhibited in the Malcolm Smith Gallery at UXBRIDGE.

HYC also delivered over 130 submissions on the Howick Local Board Plan 2020.

Co-chair of HYC Ben Fraser says the hard work contributed by members in the past have meant the 2021 council is in a significantly more sustainable position than in previous years.

“Even amid the lockdowns, our council's continuity throughout 2020 was a testament to how sustainable and resilient the group is today as a result of our past members’ work. We can’t wait to see what 2021 will hold.”

Howick Youth Council member at their 10-year anniversary celebrations

White says the local board will ensure the youth council gets the support it needs.

“With around 33 per cent of Howick’s population under the age of 25, it is important for the local board that youth is empowered to bring about a positive influence in our community and their voice is heard on the issues that are important to them.

“We are proud of the work Howick Youth Council has done over these years and will continue to support them to improve and promote youth participation, inclusion and empowerment.”

Now the youth council is turning its attention to reconnecting past members with today's council and connecting its newer members with the council’s history.

To learn more about the members' reunion, you can join the Facebook group at youth.org.nz/hycalumni

The Howick Youth Council is also on the lookout for those who may be in the know about HYC’s history. Please get in touch via their website howickyouthcouncil.org.nz if you think you might have something to contribute.