Applications for the 2026 Youth Panel are open until Monday 27 April 2026.

🌟 Join our Youth Panel and make a difference! 🌟

Are you passionate about education and the environment? Do you want to have a say in how climate change and sustainability projects are funded in our community?

We’re looking for enthusiastic rangatahi from the Bay of Plenty region to join the School Sustainability and Resilience Fund (SSRF) Youth Panel for 2026!

As a panel member you will:

• Help allocate funding to impactful projects
• Collaborate with like-minded peers
• Gain valuable experience in decision-making
• Receive a certificate and gift card acknowledging your contribution

There will be two compulsory online meetings before voting day to guide you through the process and start making decisions together.

To be part of the SSRF Youth Panel you need to:

• Be aged between 14 - 24 years old
• Reside in the Bay of Plenty
• Be passionate about the environment, sustainability and/or climate change
• Be keen to get involved with local government and participate in voting
• Have reliable access to the internet and Zoom/Microsoft Teams
• Be available for approximately five hours over a period of two weeks in May 2026
• Be available on Friday 15 May 2026 to conduct the voting (online)
• Have parental consent if under 18 years old

Does this sound like you? Are you ready to take on the challenge?

Apply now and get ready to be part of something awesome.