Advisory groups

A young man and an older woman sit together on a bench in a park.

We have two advisory groups that help shape our community: 

  • Accessibility Advisory Group (AAG) 
  • Youth Advisory Group (YAG)

These groups play a key role in guiding Council policies and initiatives that support inclusivity, accessibility, and intergenerational understanding.  

They ensure the voices, ideas and perspectives of young people and people with access needs are actively included in decision-making. 

Together, they help build a more inclusive, accessible and vibrant community where everyone can thrive and belong. 

Applications now open 

Recruitment for the Accessibility Advisory Group and the Youth Advisory Group is open now.

Submit your application by Sunday 30 November 2025. 

For more details and to apply, click on the groups below.  

Accessibility Advisory Group

Accessibility Advisory Group logo.

The Accessibility Advisory Group (AAG) is a newly established group that will start in early 2026.

The group will advise Council on improving accessibility, guided by the Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy:

Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy (nrc.govt.nz)

It will bring lived experience and knowledge to inform Council services, projects, and engagement processes.

Applications now open

Let's make Whangārei more accessible together!

We're looking for people with lived experience of disability, chronic health conditions, or other access needs to join our Accessibility Advisory Group. We are also looking for older adults with or without access needs to join.

This group works with Council to make sure everyone can enjoy and access our District. If you're passionate about making a difference, we’d love to hear from you!

Who we're looking for

We'd love to hear from you if you:

  • know about accessibility issues in Whangārei
  • are connected with local communities and networks
  • want to help make things better for everyone
  • enjoy working with others
  • understand and respect Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Can you join?

To be part of the group, you need to:

  • live in the Whangārei District
  • have lived experience with disability, chronic health conditions, ageing or access needs.

Terms of reference

Before applying, we suggest reading the terms of reference to understand how the group will operate:

Accessibility Advisory Group Term of Reference 2026-2029(PDF, 162KB)

Please submit your application by Sunday 30 November 2025.

Apply online

Fill in our online application form.

Accessibility Advisory Group online application form

Apply by email, post or in person

Download, print and fill in the application form below.

Accessibility Advisory Group application form(PDF, 259KB)

You can send or deliver your completed application form to us either:

By email: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

By post:

Attention: Community Development Adviser 

Whangarei District Council 
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

In person:

Te Iwitahi (civic centre)
9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

Service centre at isite
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Youth Advisory Group

Youth Advisory Group logo.

The Youth Advisory Group (YAG) plays a vital role in shaping Council services, projects and activities to better reflect the needs and aspirations of young people in our community.

Through active participation, the group:

  • influences planning and decision-making to ensure youth perspectives are considered in Council initiatives
  • supports meaningful engagement between Council and the wider youth community during consultation processes
  • amplifies youth voices in local democracy, encouraging active involvement in civic life
  • strengthens Council’s responsiveness to the evolving needs of young people across the District.

By working collaboratively with Council, the Youth Advisory Group helps create a more inclusive, youth-friendly future for our community.

Applications now open

Karanga ki nga taitamariki katoa o Whangārei – Calling all Whangārei youth!

We're on the lookout for some awesome young people to be involved in the work we do at Council.

The Youth Advisory Group works alongside Council to ensure the voices and needs of young people are reflected in local decision-making. Members help shape Council services, projects and communications, foster stronger connections between youth and Council, and promote youth engagement in democratic processes.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, complete the following application form and we will set up an interview.

Who we're looking for

Are you an awesome young person who:

  • is keen to share your ideas, opinions and perspectives on Council mahi
  • has a good understanding of local youth issues
  • has good connections with local youth
  • knows a bit about Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how it relates to young people
  • likes working as part of a team?

Can you join?

To be eligible, you must be:

  • aged 15 to 24 years old
  • living in the Whangārei takiwā.

Please note: If you are 16 or under, you need permission from your parent(s) or caregiver to apply.

Terms of reference

Before applying, we suggest reading the terms of reference to understand how the group will operate:

Youth Advisory Group Terms of Reference 2026-2029(PDF, 165KB)

Please submit your application by Sunday 30 November 2025.

Apply online

Fill in our online application form.

Youth Advisory Group online application form

Apply by email, post or in person

Download, print and fill in the application form below.

Youth Advisory Group application form(PDF, 270KB)

You can send or deliver your completed application form to us either:

By email: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

By post:

Attention: Community Development Adviser

Whangarei District Council 
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

In person:

Te Iwitahi (civic centre)
9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

Service centre at isite
92 Otaika Road, Raumanga
Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 12:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays