Rangatahi Leadership Council

Te Pou Tuārongo | Co-Leader

Kia Ora, my name is Anania I am 15 years old student at Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata. I have a strong passion for Te reo Maori and history, proud of my culture and heritage I enjoy the past and how it shapes my future As a dedicated advocate for young people, I will use my voice to speak up on issues that matter, inspiring others to stand tall and be heard

Te Pou Kaiāwha | Co-Leader

Kia Ora ko Makurata Anderson tōku ingoa, he uri tēnei nō Ngāti Rongomai, nō Ngāti Werewere anō hoki. He 16 wōku tau, e kuraina ana ahau ki Te Wharekura o Ngāti Rongomai. Ko tētehi āhuatanga hirahira ki au ko tōku ao Māori. Ka whakatauki ake au ‘he waimarie he Māori au e noho nei i tōku ao Māori’

Te Pou Tokomanawa | Kaitiaki Pūtea

Kia ora tatou, my name is David (Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa, Tuwharetoa, Tuhoe, Te Arawa, Tainui) and I am homeschooled by UK based online school, Wolsey Hall Oxford Cambridge, currently completing IGCSE. I have spent my last two summers completing Science internships with Contact Energy, GNS and the University of Waikato, helping me to achieve my aspiration of being a Geologist and Engineer in the Geothermal Sector. I am passionate about Science, Whakairo, History, Politics, Art, being informed, having robust discussions and making decisions/change if required.

Council Member and Deputy to Te Pou Tokomanawa

Kia Orana, my name is Isaiah Zion Tavita Strickland. I’m a 17-year-old Year 13 student at Rotorua Boys' High School, and I’m proud of my achievements, such as being First in Pasifika Arts Studies. I’m also a proud member of the Rangatahi Council, where I represent the voices of young people in our community. I carry both my Cook Islands and Māori heritage, which guide my values of service, connection, and responsibility.  

This year, I joined the Police Studies class, inspired by former Police officer and Te Puna Ariki Chairman, Glenn Benfell. His journey showed me the power of leadership through service, and I admire how he lives by values that reflect God's values, kindness, integrity, and a heart to serve others. The course has helped me grow in discipline, empathy, and understanding the impact of positive role models.  

Councillor and Deputy to Te Pou Kaiāwha

Kia ora, my name is Elijah I am a 14 year old student from Rotorua Boys High School. I am honoured to be a member of the Rangatahi Council, where I can bring forward my voice and stand on behalf of other young people in our community. I have a desire for Kapa Haka and Te Reo Māori. These two interests keep me secure within my culture while pushing me to also seek new opportunities. I aim to inspire other rangatahi to pursue their dreams, remain faithful to who they are and to recognise that their voice matters.

Councillor and Deputy to Te Pou Tuārongo

Kia ora, my name is Bella Kerr-Grant, I am 14 and a year 10 student leader at John Paul College. It is an honour to be a part of the Rangatahi Council. I am the eldest of 4 and love spending time with my whanau. I also really enjoy speech and drama and kapa haka. I am passionate about making a difference and being a voice for people who may not be as confident to speak. I am excited for the opportunity to be surrounded by like minded rangatahi who want to make a change. 

Kia Ora, ko Keirah Ratahi tōku ingot, he uri tēnei nō Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Rongomai, Te Arawa Whānui, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Raukawa, me ngā moutere o Kuki Airini. He 14 wōku tau, e kuraina ana ahau ki te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata. Ko tētahi mea tino whakahirahira ki au ko te mahi hākinakina.