Ruapehu Youth Council Recognised by Ministry Waimarino-Waiouru Youth Ambassador Opportunities

The Ruapehu Youth Council (RYC) continues to be recognized nationally for their activities with the awarding of a $5,000 grant from the Ministry of Youth Development.

Following on from their Youth Group category win at last year’s National Youth Week Awards RYC has now been awarded the grant as part of a $65,000 distribution of Youth Ministry funding that was shared amongst three youth sector organisations and four Councils including Ruapehu.

In announcing the grant Youth Minister Nikki Kaye said that the RYC had stood out through their nomination for the 2016 Youth Awards.

“This grant funding will help engage youth council members in leadership, volunteering and mentoring opportunities,” she said.

Ruapehu District Council (RDC) Youth Liaison Samantha Arthur-Curtis said it was fantastic for the work RYC has been doing to be acknowledged at a national level in this way especially as the grant came completely ‘out of the blue’.

“The RYC can make the $5,000 go a long way and it will make a big difference to our ability and options for working with and developing Ruapehu youth,” she said.

“Through the RYC and its Waimarino-Waiouru and Taumarunui-Ohura Youth Ambassadors RDC is committed to providing Ruapehu youth with a platform to be heard on, and influence, local issues that affect them directly.”

Ms. Arthur-Curtis said that the Youth Ambassador role is not a ‘toothless token gesture’ by RDC toward local youth and that they have the means and capability to effect real change for their communities and peers.

“Due to some of our current Waimarino-Waiouru Youth Ambassadors going off to boarding school we currently have four open Youth Ambassador vacancies,” she said.

“If you, or someone you know, lives in the Waimarino-Waiouru area, is between 12 to 24 years of age, and would be keen to make a positive contribution on behalf of Ruapehu youth while developing personal leadership and other skills, and having a whole lot of fun at the same time we would love to receive your (their) application.”

“Applicants must be prepared to attend one paid meeting per month, organise and take part in youth development programmes, and be able to travel to national events as required.”

“Applications can be made before Friday 15 July either on-line via the RDC website ruapehudc.govt.nz or pick up an application from either the Raetihi or Ohakune office or Ruapehu High School administration.”

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