Twelve passionate Youth Councillors welcomed for the 2026 term

Pictured: The 2026 Youth Council is (from back left): Penelope Agnew (Rotorua Lakes High School), Molly Waqanimaravu (Rotorua Girls' High School), Luke Wilmoth (John Paul College), Leo English (Rotorua Boys' High School), Justin Murphy (John Paul College) and Tristan Stewart (Rotorua Boys' High School). Pictured in the front row (from left) are Aataahua-Jean Karauti-Fox (Rotorua Girls’ High School), Patience Lister (Rotorua Girls' High School), Sakura Forrester (Western Heights High School), Ayush Kataria (Rotorua Boys' High School), Eden Whare (Western Heights High School), Sara Smith (John Paul College).

Twelve young locals have been selected as the 2026 Youth Councillors and were welcomed by Mayor Tania Tapsell and Councillors in a special pōhiri yesterday (Monday 9 February 2026).

Mayor Tapsell, who was previously a youth Councillor, played an integral role in re-establishing the annual Rotorua Youth Council in 2024.

“The Youth Council provides an important opportunity for young people to give back to their community, grow their skills, and ensure a youth voice is heard by our Council.

“We’re proud of what our Youth Council has contributed in previous years and can’t wait to start working with this year’s Youth Councillors to support them.

“We received very strong applications and it’s inspiring to see the impact these young people are already having in their schools and communities. We look forward to seeing what this year’s passionate group of Youth Councillors will achieve,” says Mayor Tapsell.

Fifty-five applications were received, which is nearly double the number of applications from previous years. The eleven new Youth Council members, alongside one returning member, will have the opportunity for personal development in leadership skills, public speaking, project management and civic engagement. They will also have the chance to advocate for local youth on a range of topics and play an active role in shaping the local community.

Rotorua Youth Council 2026

Aataahua-Jean Karauti-Fox (Rotorua Girls’ High School)

Eden Whare (Western Heights High School)

Justin Murphy (John Paul College)

Ayush Kataria (Rotorua Boys’ High School)

Leo English (Rotorua Boys’ High School)

Luke Wilmoth (John Paul College)

Molly Waqanimaravu (Rotorua Girls’ High School)

Patience Lister (Rotorua Girls’ High School)

Penelope Agnew (Rotorua Lakes High School)

Sakura Forrester (Western Heights High School)

Sara Smith (John Paul College)

Tristan Stewart (Rotorua Boys’ High School)

As the one returning member, Justin Murphy, is looking forward to supporting the new Councillors and strengthening the voice of Rotorua youth in local decisions.

“Highlights of my Youth Council journey so far include making a real difference for young people, developing stronger leadership skills, and working with other passionate youth to see their community projects succeed,” explains Justin.

The 2026 Youth Council will focus on two main projects during their term:

Rotorua Lakes Council Annual Plan 2025/26

Youth Councillors will have the opportunity to submit their ideas to the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Annual Plan. By sharing ideas and insights, they will help shape decisions on issues that matter to young people in our community, ensuring rangatahi voices are included in the plans and priorities that guide the future of Rotorua. They want to support other youth voices to have their say and will run a submission-writing workshop for youth across the district to learn about key topics in the Annual Plan and create their own submissions.

Ngā Wai o Rotorua – Youth Engagement Strategy Implementation

The Rotorua Youth Council will continue to implement the Youth Engagement Strategy, designed to increase youth participation in Rotorua Lakes Council’s decision-making processes. This strategy draws inspiration from the waters of Rotorua, with four interconnected focus areas—each symbolising an essential element of engagement:

• Ngā Wai Hononga - This focus area represents the connection of diverse groups. It emphasises building strong relationships and collaboration between young people and Rotorua Lakes Council, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.
• Te Puna Mātārutanga - This area highlights the importance of nurturing and providing youth with access to information about council processes and community issues, empowering informed participation.
• Ngā Waiariki - This area highlights the importance of creating meaningful leadership opportunities that empower young people to build confidence, develop their capabilities, and take an active role in their communities.
• Wai Koropupū - This area focuses on harnessing the energetic flow of information across online platforms to amplify youth voice, increase visibility, and strengthen engagement with young people.

Fisher Wang was a Youth Councillor in 2016 and says the programme offers numerous benefits for participants, including youth development and a chance to build leadership skills.

“Rangatahi in Rotorua care deeply about the future of their community and bring thoughtful perspectives on complex issues that affect their lives,” says Councillor Wang.

“The Youth Council provides a genuine platform for young people to be heard, while also giving them the tools, confidence, and experience to engage meaningfully with civic processes.”

Councillor Wang says the growth in applications reflects both the strength of the programme and the willingness of young people to step up and contribute.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many young people putting themselves forward to lead, advocate, and serve their community. Through the Youth Council, members develop leadership, collaboration, and communication skills that stay with them well beyond their term.

“I’m excited to see this year’s Youth Councillors build on the strong foundations already in place, bring fresh energy and ideas, and continue shaping Rotorua as a city where youth voices genuinely matter.”

Find out more about the new Youth Council members at the page below.