Auckland Council is committed to ensuring that children and young people can participate meaningfully in civic life. Council invests in youth councils and boards (‘Youth Voice’ groups) to support rangatahi aged 14–24 to connect, lead and influence local decision-making across Tāmaki Makaurau. Youth Voice groups operate across Auckland in diverse community contexts. They provide rangatahi with opportunities to build leadership capability, develop civic literacy, and contribute to decisions that affect their lives and neighbourhoods.

This review is the first formal evaluation of LDI-funded Youth Voice investment. It examined how the current model is working, where challenges exist, and what is needed to strengthen Youth Voice as an equitable and connected system.

The review found that when Youth Voice is well supported, it delivers powerful outcomes for rangatahi and local communities. Young people build confidence, skills and a strong sense of belonging. Youth-led ownership creates meaningful participation, while strong relationships with host organisations and council staff enable rangatahi to navigate governance systems and influence local decision-making.

The review also identified challenges that limit consistency and equity across Auckland, including uneven resourcing, unclear purpose and expectations, gaps in youth-safe governance environments, and barriers to participation for Māori, Pasifika, disabled, rainbow and lower-income rangatahi.

The report sets out nine recommendations to strengthen Youth Voice as a connected, equitable and future-focused system. These focus on building a shared regional framework, embedding Youth Voice into local decision-making, resourcing participation support, strengthening equity and representation, and building system-wide capability.

Together, these recommendations provide a roadmap for ensuring rangatahi across Tāmaki Makaurau are supported, heard and empowered to shape the city they call home.

Auckland Council, Point Research, January 2026