The plan was launched at MainPower Stadium last week, with Mayor Dan Gordon and Youth Action Plan Advisory Group member and former Waimakariri District Council Youth Council Chair Ruby Wilson cutting the official launch cake.

The evening brought together young people, elected members, schools, community organisations, youth service providers and other partners to celebrate the completion of the plan and look ahead to putting it into action.

The three-year plan provides a framework for Council, community organisations, schools, employers, service providers and young people to work together across eight key themes identified through the development of the plan.

General Manager Community and Recreation Chris Brown said the launch marked an important shift from developing the plan to putting it into action.

“The launch is an important milestone, but it is really the starting point for the work ahead. We now have a clear framework for working with young people and our partners, and the focus is on turning the plan into action and making a difference in the areas young people have told us matter to them.”

Youth Development Facilitator Emily Belton said the launch was an opportunity to say thank you and recognise the contribution young people had made to the plan and look ahead to what comes next.

“It was great to see so many of the young people who helped shape the plan there to celebrate its launch. They have had a genuine role in this process, and now we want to keep that connection going as we work together to bring the plan to life.”

The launch included the premiere of a video created with young people from across the district, showcasing the eight themes of the Youth Action Plan and their hopes for a youth friendly Waimakariri.

Young people involved in the Youth Action Plan Advisory Group also took part in a panel discussion about the development of the plan and the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Advisory Group member Talula Green, who was the MC of the event, said it was important that young people had been involved throughout the process.

“Being part of the Advisory Group meant we could have a real say in what the plan looked like and make sure it reflected what young people actually care about. Now that it has launched, it’s exciting to see it move from ideas and conversations into action.”

The evening also provided an opportunity for attendees to contribute their own ideas, with posters representing each of the eight themes displayed around the room for people to share thoughts about how the plan could be put into practice and how they might like to be involved.

More than 1,100 young people contributed to the development of the Youth Action Plan through surveys, workshops, in person and other engagement. The process identified priorities including mental health and wellbeing, employment, recreation, environmental action, belonging, safe spaces, transport, cultural identity and having a genuine voice in decisions that affect their lives.

The Youth Action Plan 2026–2029 will now guide Council’s work with young people and its community partners over the next three years.

“The plan gives us a direction, but its success will be measured by what happens from here,” Chris Brown said.

“That means continuing to listen to young people, working in partnership and following through on the actions we have committed to.”

The Waimakariri Youth Action Plan 2026–2029 is available to read on the Council website.

Hard copies are also available from the Rangiora Service Centre.