Question 1

What does YOO actually do?

Accepted Answer

At our core, YOO exists to uplift the lives of the nearly 13,000 rangatahi (ages 12–24) living within the Ōrākei Ward area. Our mahi falls into two primary categories: our community projects and civic advocacy.

Our community projects are the most visible thing we do. We organise and deliver approximately 15 projects annually, designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of our local youth. These initiatives range from large-scale flagship events, such as our Youth Film Festival, Music Competition, and Student Leadership Conference, to grassroots community action events, such as tree planting and our clothing drive.

Beyond our projects, we also play an active role in local decision-making by advising on and submitting feedback for regional council consultations. For example, our members participated the Auckland Transport Consultation and the Auckland Region 10-Years Plan. This is crucial in ensuring the voices of young people are represented in shaping the future of Ōrākei and the wider Auckland region.

Question 2

How are you able to deliver all these projects?

Accepted Answer

We operate through a conditional funding arrangement with the Ōrākei Local Board, which funds us $20,000 each year. This continuous support is the lifeblood of our mahi, as it allows us to remain focused on delivering high-quality outcomes for rangatahi, for which we are incredibly grateful.

To ensure every project is executed with precision, our internal council structure follows a semi-autonomous model. We have four Project Delivery teams who plan and deliver our projects, one Promotions team who manages our project marketing, brand image, and manages our social media pages, and one Leadership Team who oversees all the teams and provides upskilling opportunities for members.

Question 3

Who decides what projects to deliver?

Accepted Answer

At YOO, we believe that the best people to identify the needs of young people are young people themselves. Therefore, the core ideas for our projects come directly from the members within our four Project Delivery teams. Each year, our Project Delivery teams brainstorm and plan projects based on the specific youth-related issues they are most passionate about, from mental health to climate action to creative expression.

With this autonomy in mind, we also ensure that every project aligns with our council's strategic goals: to inspire, represent, and connect youth within the Ōrākei community.

Question 4

I'm a journalist. Who do I reach out to?

Accepted Answer

Our Promotions Team addresses all media enquiries on behalf of the youth council. We can address questions about our projects and events, as well as provide youth perspectives on issues. Please contact us through our contact page, or by emailing youthoforakei@gmail.com

Question 5

Why is it worth funding youth councils like YOO?

Accepted Answer

Investing in YOO is an investment in the current and future health of the Ōrākei Ward area. In 2025, we directly engaged with over 8000 young people in the Ōrākei community across our 17 projects, including a record of over 500 in-person attendees.

Young people bring a future-focussed energy to community issues and concerns, often with a unique perspective. As a result, youth councils like YOO help bring light to these concerns with unique, innovative solutions.

Furthermore, as one of the largest and most active youth councils in Aotearoa, we also provide a platform for our members to grow and upskill as leaders who are passionate about giving back to the community.

Question 6

Is YOO a political or lobby group?

Accepted Answer

No. YOO is a non-partisan entity, and we do not engage in political lobbying, particularly on issues with significant political overtones. While we encourage our members to be civically engaged and informed, YOO as an organisation does not take sides in political debates or endorse specific candidates or parties.

Question 7

How can I join as a member of YOO?

Accepted Answer

We hold our primary recruitment drive toward the end of each school year. To be eligible, you must be between the ages of 15 and 24 and live, work, or study within the Ōrākei Ward area (as shown below).

There are two main ways to join the council:

1. School Seat Nominations

Near the end of each year, we reach out to local high schools within the Ōrākei ward area. Schools typically nominate students who they believe would fit the qualities an attributes of a dedicated YOO member. If you are a high school student, keep an eye on your school notices or speak to your Deans or Deputy Principals about being nominated for a 'school seat.'

2. Open Seat Applications

Open seats are available to any eligible young person living, working, or studying in the Ōrākei ward area aged 15-24. During the recruitment period, we will post an application form link across our social media channels.

All applicants go through an online interview process.

Mid-Term Vacancies

In the circumstance of a midterm vacancy on the council, we may possibly announce applications on our social media channels.

Question 8

Why should I join YOO?

Accepted Answer

Joining YOO is more than just a volunteering opportunity; it’s a unique chance to step outside your school or university bubble and make a positive impact on the lives of young people within the Ōrākei ward area.

YOO is a safe and inclusive space where you build genuine friendships and connections with like-minded, ambitious young people, all while working toward a common goal of uplifting our local community. There is also a profound sense of fulfilment that comes from the experience of seeing a project move from a brainstorming session to a successful event that tangibly improves the lives of rangatahi in the community. Additionally, our Leadership Team runs regular upskilling workshops for members, covering things like budget management, project planning skills, public speaking and more, to fuel personal and professional growth.

At the end of the day, becoming a YOO member is a fun and unique experience, where you are a part of something bigger than yourself!

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