Auckland Council Youth Voice Review (2026)

Lead Researcher: Julie Radford-Poupard

Young people have a vital role to play in shaping the future of Tāmaki Makaurau. Through Auckland Council’s Youth Voice groups, rangatahi are stepping into leadership, influencing local decision-making, and helping create communities that better reflect the needs and aspirations of young people.

As part of the first region-wide review of Youth Voice investment, Auckland Council has taken time to listen closely to rangatahi, host organisations, council staff and elected members. The review highlights the value of youth-led approaches, showing that when young people are trusted to set priorities and make decisions, their sense of agency, belonging and commitment grows. It also reinforces the importance of strong relationships, clear support structures and consistent resourcing to ensure Youth Voice groups can thrive over time.

At its heart, the Youth Voice project is about more than participation - it’s about partnership. By centring rangatahi voices and learning from their experiences, Auckland Council is strengthening how young people are involved in local decision-making and investing in a future where youth leadership is valued, supported and sustained.