Commonwealth Youth New Zealand is a nation-wide, youth-led nonprofit organisation dedicated to developing young New Zealanders and promoting the significance of the Commonwealth and its values.
OUR MISSION
We provide opportunities for young people in New Zealand to become the next generation of global leaders. We empower young people to realise their potential, act on issues they are passionate about, and unlock their natural leadership skills.
OUR STRUCTURE
Board
Our Board provides mission-based leadership and governance to the organisation, and mentoring and strategic direction to the Executive Committee. Board members are elected by the CYNZ membership at Annual General Meetings. Find out more
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of CYNZ's operations, including its events and educational programmes. Executive Committee members are appointed by the Board. Find out more
Our Board provides mission-based leadership and governance to the organisation, and mentoring and strategic direction to the Executive Committee. Board members are elected by the CYNZ membership at Annual General Meetings. Find out more
Executive Committee
Our Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of CYNZ's operations, including its events and educational programmes. Executive Committee members are appointed by the Board. Find out more
OUR VALUES
We embody the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter. In addition to these values, we have three core principles:
Education and information-sharing
We strive to educate young people on the purpose, significance and relevance of the Commonwealth in New Zealand society. We inform and build knowledge on issues encompassing the Commonwealth which impact young people and future generations.
Active citizenship and empowerment
We promote active citizenship in a local, national and international context. We empower young people to make a valuable contribution in society, and to be confident and bold to involve themselves at governance and decision-making levels. We emphasise the importance of young people contributing to and influencing decisions which will impact their futures.
Diverse and inclusive
Commonwealth Youth New Zealand is diverse and inclusive of all young people in New Zealand, and we pride ourselves on the values of non-discrimination, equality, tolerance, respect and understanding. We are representative of New Zealand’s young people, and include a wide demographic from 15 to 29 years of age.
Education and information-sharing
We strive to educate young people on the purpose, significance and relevance of the Commonwealth in New Zealand society. We inform and build knowledge on issues encompassing the Commonwealth which impact young people and future generations.
Active citizenship and empowerment
We promote active citizenship in a local, national and international context. We empower young people to make a valuable contribution in society, and to be confident and bold to involve themselves at governance and decision-making levels. We emphasise the importance of young people contributing to and influencing decisions which will impact their futures.
Diverse and inclusive
Commonwealth Youth New Zealand is diverse and inclusive of all young people in New Zealand, and we pride ourselves on the values of non-discrimination, equality, tolerance, respect and understanding. We are representative of New Zealand’s young people, and include a wide demographic from 15 to 29 years of age.
OUR OBJECTIVES
We are:
- an accessible network for young people to connect to other aspiring young leaders, and inspirational figures to nurture their goals and ambitions;
- a platform to promote the achievements of young people in New Zealand and the wider Commonwealth;
- representative of the voices of young people on issues significant to the Commonwealth on a local, national and international level;
- a stakeholder and partner with non-government, government and inter-governmental bodies on issues that concern young people;
- a provider for young people to engage and immerse themselves in wider decision-making discussions and policies;
- engaging for young people to contribute in forums, consultations and submissions to convey their ideas in New Zealand society;
- led by young people, for young people, to build confidence and capacity through mentoring and coaching for professional and personal development.
OUR RULES
As an incorporated society, Commonwealth Youth New Zealand is legally required to have a governing Rules document. Download a copy of CYNZ's Rules here:
| Rules of CYNZ - November 2018 |