Change in leadership for Youth Committee

Published on 19 June 2015

19 June 2015

At its meeting on Monday, June 15, the Wanganui District Council Youth Committee welcomed Macy Duxfield and Alaska Dobbs as new co-chairs for the 2015 term.

Macy, Year 11 at Cullinane College, has been on the Youth Committee since she was a 12-year-old St Mary’s School student. She also represents youth on the Wanganui Rural Community Board.

Alaska, a legal advocate at CLAW Whanganui, was previously on the Youth Committee as a teenager, while studying at Te Kura o Kokohuia, before attending university in Hamilton and Wellington. Alaska has returned to Whanganui to give back to her community and was reappointed to the Committee last year.

The Council’s representative on the Youth Committee Cr Jenny Duncan congratulated the new co-chairs on being elected to the roles.

“These two passionate and outgoing young women are excited about the year ahead and the very important role they have in leading the Youth Committee to represent youth interests at the Council and in the community.”

Cr Duncan says she also wants to acknowledge the fantastic and tireless work of outgoing co-chairs Renee Harrison and Amaan Merchant.

“Both Renee and Amaan have been on the Committee for some years and have been exceptional leaders and great representatives of youth at the Council and at community meetings and events. They will continue to play a valuable role as young leaders as they participate in the Committee and mentor newer members.”

Lochie Murray, who attends Wanganui Girls’ College, was sworn in as a new Youth Councillor at the meeting. Lochie enjoys photography and design and would like to incorporate more cultural events into Youth Committee activities.