Supporting young people to make their impact
About Us
Auckland Youth Voice is the peak body for youth participation groups in Auckland. We are a regional organisation and our members represent a diverse range of young people and youth voice groups who are committed to increasing youth and civic participation locally, regionally and nationally.
Our Vision
We want an Aotearoa where young people are achieving their full potential as valued, included and thriving citizens, able to make a positive difference in the communities in which they belong.
Our Services
We work to connect, support and empower young people and Youth Voice Groups to actively participate, elevate the voices of young people and be champions of change. We do this by removing barriers to participation and equipping them with the tools, knowledge and opportunities to belong, connect and succeed.
Regional Network
We provide a regional network of young people and Youth Voice Groups who are committed to increasing youth and civic participation.
Events & Projects
We create events, projects and opportunities to nourish and engage young people and Youth Voice Groups, including quarterly ‘meet-ups’, training weekends and end of year celebrations.
Training & Development
We provide bespoke training and development to grow the capacity and capability of young people and Youth Voice Groups to enable them to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Facilitation & Support
We take on a facilitation and/or an umbrella role for Youth Voice Groups that need additional support.
Submissions & Policy Reform
We coordinate a proactive policy reform process to enable young people and Youth Voice Groups to contribute to consultations and submissions that will affect young people in Aotearoa.
Our Board
Our Board Members collectively have over 30 years of experience in Governance and Advisory positions and are current or former members of Youth Voice Groups. They are elected by the members annually.
Zachary Wong
Zachary was the inaugural Chairperson of AYV and is passionate about giving young people across Auckland a voice. He was one of the founding members of the South Auckland Youth Collective and a former Chairperson of Howick Youth Council. He is also actively involved in supporting schools debating and is the Chairperson of Auckland Schools' Debating.
Raymond Feng
Raymond currently serves as treasurer on the Puketāpapa Youth Foundation and a Creative NZ assessor for Auckland Council. He's a former Student Representative on his school Board of Trustees and a former Youth MP in the 2019 Youth Parliament programme.
Lisa Yang
Lisa is the Chairperson of the Upper Harbour Youth Council, a community programme organiser for Girl Guiding NZ and the organiser & licensee for TEDxYouth @ Aotea Square. She has previously been a member of the Girl Guiding NZ advisory panel and has been involved in numerous community service projects.
Michael Howell
Michael is the current Chairperson of Auckland Youth Voice and the Board of Trustees of the Puketāpapa Youth Foundation. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Puketāpapa Foundation.
Ben Fraser
Ben is a Co-Chair of the Howick Youth Council. He's a board member of the Uxbridge Arts and Culture Centre and the former Deputy Board Chair of the Key To Life Charitable Trust working alongside Mike King. Ben was AYV's Projects Coordinator before joining the Board.
Kyanna Hetaraka-Rua
Kyanna Hetaraka-Rua is of Māori descent and whakapapa's to Ngāti Whātua and Tainui. Former member and Chairperson of the Papakura Youth Council, Kyanna has a huge passion for Youth Advocacy and ensuring young people’s voices are in spaces they’re less represented. Kyanna currently coordinates the South Auckland Youth Network which focuses on connecting the different Youth Services and Providers together across South Auckland and is one way Kyanna is able to continue contributing to her community in any way possible.
Contact us
Want to learn more about our work or how you can get involved?
