In this episode of Now That’s an Idea, we talk with Jordan Walker, a candidate for the General Ward in Tairāwhiti. They share their personal journey of reconnecting with their whakapapa and family, and their vision for youth engagement in local government.

Jordan’s idea? Putting money towards a rangatahi democracy fund to empower young voices and ensure rangatahi have a real say in decision-making. They also advocate for reinstating the Youth Council, promoting sustainability, and strengthening Māori representation in governance.

From navigating the challenges of local politics to reimagining youth involvement, Jordan’s kōrero highlights the urgency and opportunity to build a council that listens to its young people.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jordan Walker

05:19 Jordan's Journey and Background

09:35 The Importance of Family and Whakapapa

10:01 Jordan's Political Ideas and Priorities

12:12 Establishing a Rangatahi Democracy Fund

18:40 Engaging Youth in Local Governance

26:17 Navigating Politics and Compromise

31:14 Timeline for Implementation and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

election, youth engagement, local government, democracy, Māori representation, community, politics, arts, sustainability, Tairāwhiti