A voice for youth

Student journalist Fareh Farhan talks to Youth Leader Olivia Li about her new role as a consultant on our project, representing the views of her generation.

When Olivia Li first encountered Te Hōnonga a Iwi through Rangitoto College, she saw it not just as another school opportunity, but as a calling. With a natural desire to give back and a drive to become “part of something greater than [herself],” she stepped into a role that would evolve her thinking, strengthen her leadership, and deepen her connection to the community.

Today, Olivia stands as a Youth Leader Consultant within the initiative, a role that empowers her to act as a representative voice for her generation on critical issues like diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and the environmental challenges shaping Aotearoa’s future.

In her own words, this role gives her the platform to share her generation’s ideas and thoughts on our future, especially about community resilience and sustainability.

On a day-to-day basis, Olivia actively seeks out the views of other rangatahi (young leaders), integrates those into her feedback, and works closely with the leadership team, particularly Nicky Shave, ensuring young voices are not just heard but respected as equal stakeholders in shaping change.

What makes Olivia’s leadership particularly striking is her grounded understanding of the struggles many youth face today. She reflects on the negativity often surrounding young people as inheritors of a broken world and an uncertain future. Yet, rather than letting this paralyse her, Olivia focuses on the importance of perseverance, a value she sees as essential in every effort toward environmental or community transformation.

 “We need perseverance to continue fighting for our world,” she says, calling for stronger community engagement, better public transport, and a unified push for environmental action.

Her work with Te Hōnonga a Iwi has already had a tangible impact. Olivia played a role in advocating for accessible design improvements, such as enabling individuals with mobility needs to more easily reach key areas of the park. She also supported the creation of a vegetable garden space that serves not only as a source of food but as a symbol of inclusivity, but a place where all members of the community, regardless of ability, can participate and feel valued.

However, for Olivia, leadership is not just about outcomes. It’s about integrity, purpose, and uplifting others. Through both her current and past roles with the project, she has come to view leadership as a shared responsibility. True leadership, in her view, is about “creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.” It is a commitment to collective progress, cultural inclusivity, and social equity.

Looking ahead, Olivia hopes Te Hōnonga a Iwi continues to grow as a community where youth feel supported and seen, and where cultural identities are not only respected but celebrated. She wants to see a new wave of young leaders, each with their own voice, passion, and whakapapa step forward with confidence. Her vision is one of strength through diversity, where many backgrounds weave together to form a richer, more connected future for Aotearoa.

What advice would she give to other rangatahi who want to make a difference? It’s simple but powerful: show up. Even if you feel unsure or out of place, she says, “Your presence matters.” Leadership doesn’t always start with confidence, it starts with commitment.