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Two young people have been appointed as youth representatives on Canterbury Regional Council’s Strategy and Policy Committee.
At the 14 May Committee meeting, Jolie Sarginson and Liam Speechlay were appointed after being shortlisted by the Youth Rōpū.
The Youth Rōpū is a group of people aged 14-24 from across the region who are enthusiastic about the environment, civics and empowering young people. The rōpū advocates for and supports the inclusion of a youth voice in Environment Canterbury’s decisions and work.
Jolie and Liam will sit on the Committee for two years and while they won’t have voting rights, they will be able to provide a youth perspective on issues discussed by the Committee.
Jolie said her three passions are youth advocacy, te taiao (the natural world), and te ao Māori (Māori culture and values).
“Our aim as youth representatives is to bring an intergenerational perspective to the table,” Jolie said.
Liam said he brings a diverse range of youth voices to the table – urban, climate change and rural.
“I’m very excited for the learning this experience will provide me and the learnings you will be able to take from myself and Jolie,” Liam said.
Canterbury Regional Council Chair Craig Pauling said youth representation was an important voice to have at the table and welcomed both Jolie and Liam to the Committee.
“We’ve had youth representation on a few of our committees over the last three or four years and I’m really proud to be here to welcome you both to the Strategy and Policy Committee today.”
“I’m looking forward to your insights and the contributions you will bring to our work,” Chair Pauling said.
Strategy and Policy Committee Chair Councillor Vicky Southworth also welcomed the pair to the Committee.
“I am excited to have both Liam and Jolie joining us for the next two years, they will bring important perspectives to our discussions and help influence some of our decision making.”
“It’s important to have them join us, as they represent young people from across Canterbury,” Cr Southworth said.
Jolie Sarginson
Jolie has completed a bachelor’s degree in Social Environmental Sustainability, majoring in Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Partnerships, with a minor in te reo Māori.
She has been part of the Youth Rōpū for three years and brings a strong voice, a grounded cultural perspective, and a genuine desire to help our communities.
Liam Speechlay
Liam is a law student at the University of Canterbury of Ngāpuhi and Ngāti Ruanui descent. He has a passion for learning Ngai Tahu’s history within Waitaha, and for tikanga and matauranga Māori.
He has been involved with EnviroPAST, Lincoln University, and the Youth Advisory Council at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha.