Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous region, housing around 1,446,000 citizens (Statistics New Zealand, 2010). Its population is largely urbanised and is undeniably youthful with almost 40% of the total population under 25 (Shand et al., 2009). This provides various challenges for civic engagement as youth are becoming increasingly disengaged from local government (see: Bell, 2005; Blais et al., 2004; Carpini, 2000).
Integration of Governance
After a report from the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance recommended a unified local government structure for the Auckland region which was later endorsed by a report from the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee, the New Zealand Government decided to amalgamate the various local councils (Auckland City, Manukau City, Waitakere City, North Shore City, Papakura District, Rodney District, Franklin District) into the Auckland Council from November 1st 2010 (Shand et al., 2009). The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance noted that there were concerns regarding what this amalgamation would mean in regards to youths engagement local government (Shand et al., 2009).
Youth Engagement in Local Government
A vital component of civic engagement in a democratic system is provided the right and responsibility to vote in elections (Catt, 2005). However, in New Zealand (and around the world) participation in elections has declined. Of particular concern is that these levels are exacerbated when looking at local government and young people, who increasingly exhibit signs of alienation, cynicism and non-participation with the political process (Checkoway et al., 2005). Voter turnout has been steadily declining since 1992 with brief periods of fluctuation (Rudman, 2010). Voting is the most visible form of political participation that young people partake in, but its decline should be viewed as a symptom of a lack of engagement in other areas rather than a root cause. In fact, youth levels of participation in other forms of institutionalised political engagement are on the decline, with less youths seeking out local government information or taking part in consultative and deliberative events put on by local government (Mossberger et al., 2007). In Auckland there has been a noted decrease in youth engagement in local politics more broadly, however there has been some success with the ‘Kids Voting’ programme and youth council work (Local Government New Zealand, 2010).
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