Dunedin Youth Council

The Dunedin Youth Council (DYC) is a group of passionate rakatahi (youth) aged 12–18 who live in Ōtepoti Dunedin. They represent youth voices, advocate for change, and create opportunities for young people to connect, grow, and lead.

The DYC is youth-led and kaupapa-driven. Members organise events, run campaigns, and contribute to youth kaupapa within the Ōtepoti ecosystem and to local government processes through submissions, petitions, and community engagement.

Some of the DYC’s recent mahi (work) includes:

• Ōtepoti Youth Market -  This event  provided an opportunity for young, makers, bakers, artisit and entrepreauneurs to share their products and talents while promoting better inter-school and city-wide relationships for rakatahi and raising awareness of youth kaupapa and wellbeing services.
• Soundwave Youth Festival – a music event bringing high school students together to build relationships and celebrate creativity.
• Otago Med-School Advisory Panel – providing feed back/advice to medical students on how to best engage with and support Youth.
• Youthline Otago Advisory Group – provided input and perspective on the development of a new educational pilot for youth.
• Make it 16 - Signatories
• Stepping stone to leadership – many DYC members have gone on to represent Dunedin at Youth Parliament, join national youth advisory groups, and attend national and international leadership events. Their time in DYC helps build confidence, networks, and real-world experience.

How the Community Partnerships team supports the DYC

The Community Partnerships team (CP) at the Dunedin City Council (DCC) plays a key role in supporting the DYC to thrive. The DYC is supported in their day-to-day efforts by the Kaiarataki Community Advisor - Youth, with wider assistance from the CP  team and DCC staff who share their time, knowledge and resources to enable the DYC to achieve their strategic goals, which are developed at the beginning of each year.

The Kaiarataki Community Advisor - Youth walks alongside the DYC, helping them to:

• Plan and deliver projects that matter to youth
• Access leadership and learning opportunities, including hui, workshops, and local and national events
• Navigate council processes, ensuring youth voices are heard and valued
• Connect with community networks, building relationships and amplifying impact
• Manage logistics and resources, including meeting spaces, transport, and funding.

The relationship is built on trust, empowerment, and shared goals. The CP team doesn’t just support the DYC — they back them, advocate for them, and help create the conditions for rakatahi to lead with confidence.

How to join the DYC

Recruitment for the DYC occurs annually between August and November. Rakatahi aged 12–18 years (or the equivalent of years 9–13) are invited to apply and can serve up to 2 years on the DYC.

The process includes:

• Online applications promoted through schools, youth services, community groups and social media
• Voting by current DYC members (based on the Single Transferable Vote method)
• Interviews or video submissions for shortlisted applicants
• Final selection by the end of November, followed by induction.

For updates and further info, follow the DYC on:

Instagram: @dunedinyouthcouncil (link to external website, new window)

Facebook: @dunedinyouthcouncil (link to external website, new window)

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