YESS Council putting their healthy ideas into action

• Published date: 03 November 2021

Sport Whanganui was instrumental in the establishment of the YESS Council. The idea behind the initiative is explained by Dinelle Saunders, tamariki activator at Sport Whanganui: “The YESS Council was formed to help ensure the voice of our local rangatahi is heard and provide opportunities to build confidence and capability. What better way to enhance opportunities for sport and active recreation for youth than by them creating and leading their own pathways to activation, bringing their peers along with them? The growth I have seen in our YESS Council members has been huge, they have had some great ideas that will continue on even after they move on from secondary school.”

Isis describes the vision for the group, saying, “It’s about empowering all students to be involved in physical activities — not just sport. Being physically active is not just good for our physical health, it helps take our mind off our worries, reduces stress, and is a great way to catch up with friends.”

Isis describes the challenges for YESS Council when, shortly after taking up her role, the COVID pandemic struck.

“Everything was uncertain, we couldn’t be sure any of the plans we made could go ahead. We were all isolated under lockdown and just trying to stay on track with study was a challenge,” she says.

Despite the disruptions, the 11 members of YESS Council representing Whanganui Girls’ College, Whanganui City College, Cullinane College, Whanganui High School and Whanganui Collegiate, continued with their collective vision.

Isis has found the different voices around the table have helped her get a better understanding of a range of views, explaining, “I’ve really enjoyed getting to connect with the other schools through YESS, hearing different ideas, sharing my own, really builds a bigger picture of what the youth community needs. The group represents year 9 through to year 13, and ideas across the age groups are different too.”

Isis is studying for year 13 exams and is reaching the end of her time with YESS. It’s been a busy year for her with study, part-time...