Cr Mickey Treadwell said he hoped the draft Ōtepoti Youth Action Plan approved at Thursday’s meeting would produce a "more substantial change" in the relationship between the Dunedin City Council and its future leaders.
The plan aimed to support youth development and create more opportunities for young people to contribute to the city and its wellbeing.
It would also uphold a pledge to "prioritise youth" in future council work.
"I believe we have an ethical obligation to develop this youth action plan because it serves our rakatahi, but also anything that benefits our rakatahi benefits their communities and thereby benefits the city as a whole," Cr Treadwell said.
A report to councillors included results from the 2023-24 Ōtepoti Youth Vision Rakatahi Survey; high levels of eco-anxiety, financial pressure and social media use among youth were "pretty grim signs of the times", he said.
He was pleased to see 52% of those surveyed saw themselves as potential leaders.
Cr Mandy Mayhem said she supported the investment in uplifting Dunedin’s youth.
"We need to have a planned approach to supporting our youth development, our young leaders and [be] very future focused."
Staff will work with the youth community to develop the plan, which would be included in the council’s long-term plan and budget processes.
