Kia Ora! Dia Dhuit! My name is Ciara. I am 17 years old and am currently in year 13 at Baradene College in Auckland. Outside of school, I enjoy Irish Dancing and Orienteering as well as challenging myself with new opportunities. 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 Embassy of Ireland youth council this year. 

Dia duit! My name is Conor Doherty, and my pronouns are he/they. I’m 18 years old, and currently live in Tāmaki Makaurau. I was born in Aotearoa, but both of my parents are from Ireland: my dad from Tipperary, and my mum from Tyrone. As a result, I feel really connected to both Aotearoa and Éire. I recently graduated from high school, and have plans to move to Edinburgh to study an MA of History and Politics. In my spare time, I love to write, and I also volunteer with Make It 16. I’ve recently started learning Gaeilge, and am really looking forward to more opportunities to learn about Irish culture and history

I’m Sinead, and I’m  excited to be a returning member of the Youth Council in 2023. This year I’m also  involved with other groups, such as the Wellington Community Justice Program’s Education team, and a member of Generation Vote.  

I’m a third year student at Victoria University of Wellington studying law and public policy.  My parents are from Ireland, and we like to return every year to connect with family and friends!

Dia daoibh! My name is Caithi Cummings. I’m 20 years old and I’m a third 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. I’m super excited to be a part of the council for 2023, and I’m looking forward to working with people who share a similar interest in celebrating and embracing Irish culture in Aotearoa.  

Kia Ora and Dia Dhuit! My name is Shakeel Shamaail, I am a 19 Year old Student at the University of Auckland studying towards a degree in Politics and International Relations, Māori Studies and Law! I am a returning member of the Embassy of Ireland Youth Council! I am very excited to further develop my relationship with the wonderful Irish community we have here and I am looking forward to making some new friends! An absolute privilege to be a part of this wonderful group! Looking forward to the wonderful opportunities that come!

Kia Ora, Dia dhuit, my name is Ella, I’m 18 years old and studying Information Science at the University of Otago. I was born and raised in Dunedin, New Zealand but whakapapa back to Portumna, Ireland alongside Te Ātiawa, Taranaki. I enjoy spending time with my whanau and friends, watching rugby, cooking and exploring the beautiful scenery around Dunedin. I am very excited to be a member of the youth council this year and am looking forward to working alongside everyone involved.

Kia Ora and Dia Dhuit,

My name is Nicola Crosbie, I'm 19 years old and I'm in my second year at the University of Canterbury studying a bachelor of arts majoring in Sociology. I was born in Wexford, Ireland and moved to Christchurch New Zealand when I was 7 years old a few weeks before the February earthquakes. I have been lucky enough to go back to Ireland multiple times since the initial move in 2011 and in December last year I had the opportunity to go back and reconnect with family and friends for two months. I am currently working a part time job with the city council as a customer service receptionist at the swimming pool which I love. I am so excited to get involved with the embassy youth council and see what this awesome opportunity brings!

Dia dhuit! My name is Daniel, I’m 18 years old and currently a first-year student studying Law, English, and Political Science at the University of Canterbury. As someone who is extremely interested in creating more connections throughout the globe, this amazing group will be an amazing place to do this while also learning more about Ireland! Learning more about my family’s connections to Ireland as well as learning about the work of the Irish embassies have been the biggest reasons why I have applied for this council. Outside of study, you can almost always find me reading with a cup of tea at local cafes or wandering around in bookstores within Ōtautahi. So excited to be part of the Irish Embassy Youth Council for 2023 to help strengthen the relationship between these amazing countries!

Kia Ora! My name is Ebony Kalin. I’m 17 years old, a year 13 student of Te Paepae o Aotea in Taranaki. I love exploring the world of business, trade, and international relationships. I see governance systems and youth council groups like these as an exciting opportunity to not only foster, but forge change! And bring a youth perspective in different environments. This is what I’m passionate about, so I am so excited to be on the 2023 Embassy of Ireland Youth Council!

Kia Ora! My name is Eva Doran, and I am a year 12 student from Marist College in Auckland. I am really excited to be a part of the Irish Embassy Youth Council for 2023/4! I am passionate about learning, and have a keen interest in exploring different perspectives. I am looking forward to getting to know the other team members while discovering more about Irish culture, and developing a deeper understanding of the world around me.