“We want to provide a space for youths from minority groups to have a voice and feel respected in our community.” Multicultural Aoraki general manager Katy Houstoun said it was important for youth ‘’and their voice to be heard”. Supplied Race Unity Speech Awards semifinalist Craighead Diocesan School year 12 student Nora Quigley, second from right, stands with other contestants at the Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae in Auckland during presentations. The youth council, will remain independent to the Timaru District Council with plans to be an official part later on. “We have no plans to join the TDC just yet. For now, we just want to create a safe space for youth of various cultures to open up about cultural and race related issues,’’ Nora said.