Youth Councillors
The Rangitīkei District Council (RDC) recognises the importance of obtaining the views of young people in Rangitīkei and providing a forum for obtaining advice about matters that impact youth.
The Youth Council includes up to 11 members, including one Chairperson and one Deputy Chair. This group will embrace diversity and will ideally be broadly representative of the different cultures, genders, geographical residents, and other various groups within the Rangitīkei youth population.
Denise Pio (Chairperson)
Otai.
Go to kai/food:Honey and Soy Pakuamoa.
What made you become a youth councillor?I like the experience and the information I will get out of it.
What are you hoping to achieve?Make a good difference for the youth in our Rangitīkei community.
Favourite saying:''If you refuse to be corrected, you are only hurting yourself. Listen to criticism and you will gain understanding''.
Salassa Burton (Deputy Chairperson)
L&P.
Go to kai/food:Honestly whatever's available.
What made you become a youth councillor?I wanted to become re-familiarised and more involved with my hometown after living abroad the past decade. Meeting my fellow rangatahi, making friends!! and giving back to this amazing community is what inspired me.
What are you hoping to achieve?I'm hoping to be someone that tamariki feel comfortable coming up to, confiding in & voicing their concerns to as well as showing our future leaders the importance of community, mahi and support.
Favourite saying:"Honesty without compassion is cruelty. Kindness without honesty is manipulation".
Nira Manulua Lofi
Anything.
Go to kai/food:Sushi.
What made you become a youth councillor?My friends suggested it would be great to join. So I did!.
What are you hoping to achieve?I'm hoping to also pass my nursing so I can help my grandparents and people in my community.
Favourite saying:"Orrkkaa Slay Pooks - I made that up".
Milla Rider
Coffee.
Go to kai/food:Sushi.
What made you become a youth councillor?I wanted to continue being involved in the community and have a say in some decision to understand the community.
What are you hoping to achieve?Improve my understanding of the community and diversity in the Rangitīkei area and understand the inner workings of Council.
Favourite saying:''When the going gets tough, the tough get going''.
Fuatai-Rose Satano
E2 - Mango.
Go to kai/food:Lasagna Toppers.
What made you become a youth councillor?To be an advocate for Pasifika families within the community, also to learn and gain knowledge about Council.
What are you hoping to achieve?To further develop my understanding on topics discussed in forums.
Favourite saying:''It is, what it is''
Brylee Coley
A good coffee.
Go to kai/food:Hangi, Boil up, Stir fry.
What made you become a youth councillor?I wanted to be more involved with my community again. After Covid happened it was a weird time getting into the swing of things again. I had a long time to contemplate on things, I want to address and change. So I took the first step and applied for Youth Council and here I am.
What are you hoping to achieve?I'm hoping to create better exposure on the opportunities Rangitikei District has for our rangitahi. Also creating different types of opportunities for different types of rangitahi.
Favourite saying:''Chur and Oush''.
Ani Harrison
Juice/Water.
Go to kai/food:Sushi.
What made you become a youth councillor?I wanted to be heard.
What are you hoping to achieve?To make an impact in the community.
Favourite saying:"Okay - buddy".
Cyria Lowrie
Up and Go.
Go to kai/food:Chicken Burger.
What made you become a youth councillor?Because I wanted to have a leadership role and understand how things within our council work.
What are you hoping to achieve?I hope to get into Otago University and become a dentist.
Favourite saying:''Oh my gosh.''.