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Meet the Embassy of Ireland Youth Council 2024

The Embassy of Ireland in New Zealand Youth Council is an initiative that gives young New Zealanders with a connection to Ireland the opportunity to advise on key issues and areas of work, as well as to learn and develop skills for the future.

For this year's iteration of the Youth Council, the team have a mission to expand and deepen their knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand and Ireland.

Diversity of thought and perspectives

Speaking ahead of taking up their new mandate, the Council says, “Kia Ora and Dia Dhuit! We are thrilled to all bring our lived experiences, diversity of thought and perspectives to our mahi with the Embassy of Ireland Youth Council for 2024.

Whether we have family connections to Éire, hold an interest in diplomatic relations, or are fascinated by Irish history, we all want to advance and promote the bilateral kaupapa between Ireland and New Zealand.

We are striving to have authentic and meaningful discourse with the communities we serve to help amplify our impact. Each of us strive to place life-long learning, collaboration, authenticity and adaptability at the forefront of our outward approach and team dynamics. We will deliver our mission on the ground level through outreach with various youth councils, education providers, government agencies and cultural groups within New Zealand and Ireland.".

Meet this year’s Youth Council members

a young woman with brown curly hair smiling and wearing sunglasses on her head

Caithi

I’m 21 years old and I’m a fourth year student at Victoria University, studying History and International Relations. In my spare time, I enjoy playing tennis, watching films, and learning about different cultures and languages.

a young woman sitting in a car holding a water bottle

Cara

I'm 17 and a year 13 student from Selwyn College in Auckland. I've lived in Aotearoa most of my life, but my dad is from Galway, and I'm super excited to learn more about my Irish culture and develop a greater connection with Ireland

a young woman looking directly at the camera wearing a teal jumper and a necklace

Ella

I’m 19 years old and a student at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka studying Information Science and Psychology. I love rugby, spending time with my whanau and friends, travelling, exploring our beautiful backyard, cooking, reading and listening to music.

a young woman with long brown hair holding her hand to her chin and wearing a beaded bracelet

Eva

I am a Year 13 student from Marist College in Auckland. I am passionate about learning, and have a keen interest in exploring different perspectives.

a young man with blonde hair wearing a tuxedo

Haemish

I’m 17 years old, a kiwi lad and an aspiring Irish citizen through Foreign Birth Registration. I’m looking forward to joining the Youth Council to be more involved with the Irish community

a young woman with fair hair taking a selfie

Keira

I am 16 years old and am currently in Year 12 at Wellington High School, Wellington. I am from New Zealand, but my mum is from Ireland, and I am excited to be able to learn more about Irish culture through being part of the Youth Council.

a young man with curly brown hair wearing a black t-shirt and a lanyard

Ronan

I am a 19 year old gap year student, commencing university at the start of 2025, likely to study Law and Global Studies. With my mum being from County Fermanagh and having spent time in Éire during my upbringing, I can’t wait to explore this connection further.

a young woman with long red hear smiling

Sinead

I am a university student studying Law and Public Policy at Victoria University of Wellington, and while on the Youth Council I hope to cultivate international perspectives for our work.

a young woman with fair curly hair wearing a white top

Zoe

I am a first year student studying Law, Politics and French at the University of Otago. In my spare time I love to get outdoors as much as possible, swimming, hiking and going to the beach.