Te Waipounamu Regional Youth Council (RYC)

  • Why You Should Apply for RYC - by Gray:

Recently our socials have been filled with recruitment for our Te Waipounamu RYC, and we know that sometimes young people can be a little hesitant to put themselves forward, or might think that they wouldn’t be the right person/good enough. We spoke to Gray about what they got out of being a part of the RYC, and below you can read their thoughts on why you should apply for RYC.

My Experience with RYC:

When I first joined the Rangatahi Youth Council (RYC), it wasn’t about titles or opportunities – it was about making sure no other young person fell through the cracks in the care system. I’d seen what happens when social workers assume you’re fine without checking in, and I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen anymore. I wanted to be part of creating real changes that would actually be followed through on.

Finding My Voice:

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in RYC is to stay true to who I am and not “people please” just to keep others happy. If something needs to change, I speak up – because every young person has a reason for being here, and every voice matters.

Change doesn’t happen overnight – but if you keep pushing and hold professionals accountable, things do slowly change. That’s something I’ve made a big part of my role – reminding people of what needs to happen and making sure they follow through.

Before RYC, I was scared to speak up. I’d been told so many times that I was wrong, and I didn’t want to upset people. Now, I feel confident to say what I believe in and stand by it. Being part of RYC has helped me figure out my values – what I want in the people around me, and what I look for in organisations that work with young people.

Building Confidence and Skills:

RYC has helped me with public speaking, speaking up in group conversations, and feeling safe to ask questions without being judged. I’ve been supported as a rainbow/queer young person, and I’ve valued being part of a group that truly cares about keeping everyone safe, happy, and respected – because we all carry our own stories and experiences.

In my three years on RYC, I’ve:

  • Worked on rainbow safety research with Oranga Tamariki
  • Taken part in Te Waka Rangatira wānanga and creative rōpū
  • Spoken to media and social work students
  • Advocated for disability rights and survivors of abuse in care
  • Served as Treasurer, learning budgeting, organisation, and leadership skills

These skills haven’t just helped me in RYC – they’ve carried over into my everyday life. From budgeting groceries to organising travel, managing my time, making phone calls, and being on time, RYC has taught me how to be more independent and responsible.

A Stepping Stone to My Future:

My term with RYC ends in July 2026, but I’m already looking forward to applying for VOYCE’s National Youth Council and continuing my involvement in Te Waka Rangatira. When my first term ended, I’d just started feeling confident – so I applied again to keep growing. Now, I’m ready to step into more leadership spaces because RYC gave me the confidence to do so.

If you’re thinking about joining, my advice is simple:

If there’s something you think should change – speak up. Your voice matters. RYC is a safe space to learn, grow, and make real change for other rangatahi.

If you want to build your confidence, develop leadership skills, and help shape a better system for young people in care – RYC is the place for you.

You can apply for RYC here.

If you want to sign up for the wider Te Waka Rangatira movement in Te Waipounamu, click here.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.