The Plan is the result of an extensive collaboration between Council, local organisations, schools, and the wider community. A special mention was made to the Youth Action Advisory Group which played a vital role in supporting the creation of the plan.

The Youth Action Plan reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring young people aged 12 to 24 feel they belong, are heard, and can see opportunities for their future in Waimakariri.

Council’s Community Development Portfolio Holder, Cr Shona Powell, says it was a great day to see the Plan adopted and widely endorsed by her council colleagues.

She says the Plan provides a strong foundation for the future.

“This is a significant milestone for our district. It reflects a genuine commitment to our young people — not just to listen, but to act on what they’ve told us matters most,” Cr Powell says.

“We want Waimakariri to be a place where young people choose to stay, to return to, to build their lives and where they feel supported to live, learn, work and contribute.”

To shape the Plan, Council undertook the largest youth engagement ever carried out in the district. Between May and July 2025, more than 1,100 young people — over 11 percent of the district’s youth population — shared their views through surveys, workshops, events, and conversations.

They spoke about the importance of employment and training opportunities, social connection, safe and welcoming spaces, mental health and wellbeing, transport, sport, and cultural opportunities.

Cr Powell says everyone was impressed with the quality of the feedback.

“Our young people were clear, thoughtful and honest about their experiences and aspirations. They care deeply about their communities and want to be part of shaping the future.”

In 2024 council staff identified the need to refresh the Youth Strategy, recognising the significant social and demographic changes impacting young people. These included the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising mental health challenges, evolving education and employment pathways, rapid technological change, climate change, and a growing and ageing population.

The district’s youth population had also grown significantly from 7,923 in 2013 to 9,555 in 2023.

It was also decided to take the strategy a step further creating a Youth Action Plan to drive practical outcomes. The plan will inform Council programmes, policies, and investment decisions over the coming years, ensuring young people remain central to planning and decision-making.

There has also been significant interest in the Plan from other organisations and Agencies including The Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Youth Development and Environment Canterbury.

“This is not a document that will sit on a shelf,” Cr Powell says.

“It will guide real action across Council and help ensure we are making decisions that support our young people now and into the future. It also sets a benchmark for how we engage with young people.”

The Youth Action Plan 2026–2029 outlines eight key themes that will guide Council’s work, aligned with broader strategic priorities and shaped by the voices of local rangatahi.

Council will now begin implementing the Plan, working alongside partners and the community to deliver meaningful outcomes for young people across Waimakariri.