2025-2027 Youth Advisory Group information
Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is looking for rangatahi to be part of our 2025-2027 Youth Advisory Group.
This is an opportunity to share your thoughts on how to improve the experiences of tamariki and rangatahi who come in contact with our care and protection and youth justice services.
The new Youth Advisory Group will run for two years (2025-2027). You'll have to attend four two-day meetings each year, in Wellington. You will also need to attend six full-day online meetings each year.
The first meeting will be in Wellington in May 2025.
What we're looking for
Think about applying for this role if you:
- are aged 18 to 24 years
- have recently been in the care of Oranga Tamariki, including care or youth justice
- feel interested and confident about sharing their thoughts and advice on Oranga Tamariki policies, practices, and services
- have someone in your life who can provide you with practical and personal support during your time in the Youth Advisory Group.
It's also useful if you have these skills and experiences:
- working as part of a team to get things done
- listening respectfully to others and speaking in groups
- reading documents, taking notes and writing emails
- using knowledge, information and experiences to solve problems
- connecting with youth networks and communities.
What the role involves
The Youth Advisory Group will give advice on Oranga Tamariki policies and projects.
Group members will share their thoughts on the needs and issues faced by tamariki and rangatahi that we work with.
Group members will support important projects that are already underway - but will also get to describe new topics they may like to contribute to.
Youth Advisory Group members will:
- Attend all meetings.
- Communicate with other members and Oranga Tamariki staff and leaders (during and in-between meetings).
- Support each other to provide advice and recommendations to Oranga Tamariki.
- Agree to follow processes that keep group members and staff safe.
Youth Advisory Group members can also choose to co-chair meetings during the two-year tenure.
Co-chairs will:
- Work with Oranga Tamariki staff to create meeting agendas.
- Chair the meetings and encourage attendees to join in the discussion.
- Ensure other group members have done their tasks (for example: completing action points, replying to emails, sending information to staff).
Benefits of being a Youth Advisory Group member
Youth Advisory Group members influence the care and youth justice systems in New Zealand.
They make meaningful contributions to the work of Oranga Tamariki while building a strong foundation for their future professional, personal, and cultural development.
Youth Advisory Group members will have support to:
- Participate in group training and development opportunities.
- Make connections with key leaders and project teams.
- Directly influence project work of Oranga Tamariki.
- Youth Advisory Group members will be paid each full day they attend in-person or online meetings. The rate will be discussed with applicants at the time of interview.
As part of this payment, you'll have to prepare for the meeting by doing things like reading the meeting agenda, reading supporting documents, and reading or replying to emails from other group members and staff.
When travelling to Wellington, Oranga Tamariki will pay for travel and cover food and accommodation costs for group members.
Your privacy will be protected
Protecting your information is important to us. Your information will not be shared outside the group without your consent.
We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable providing their perspectives. Some members may like to share their personal experiences, while others may prefer not to. We'll encourage and support you to provide your perspectives in a way that works for you.
Members on Oranga Tamariki boards and committees sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements. That means no one in the group can share or discuss information from the meetings with people from outside of the group without permission.
More information about how to keep information safe and confidential will be covered as part of an induction to the group.
Selection process
We are looking for rangatahi from diverse backgrounds and identities across Aotearoa, who can represent different perspectives from care-experienced communities.
As part of the selection process, Oranga Tamariki staff will read and review all the applications we receive. They will make a shortlist of people to interview, and from that group seven people will be appointed to the Youth Advisory Group. They may shortlist an additional 3 applicants, who may be offered to join the Group if another member cannot continue.
Applications close on 30th March 2025. If you need guidance to submit your application, please send us an email at yag@ot.govt.nz .
We will let all the applicants know if they were successful by email or phone.
Even if you are not selected for the Youth Advisory Group, you will have other opportunities to share your thoughts on matters related to Oranga Tamariki.
How to apply
Young people can choose to apply for the role on their own, or someone they know may want to submit a nomination on their behalf (after consulting with the young person).
Young people can apply by filling out the online form below:
- Youth Advisory Group Application Form
- People can nominate a young person by filling out the person below:
- Youth Advisory Group Nomination Form
Further information
For further information contact Tiana Thompson Senior Advisor, Child Centred Engagement on 027 449 7933, or email yag@ot.govt.nz.
