Auckland: Buzzly youth engagement platform

Buzzly – Auckland Council's Digital Youth Participation Model – modernises how young people participate in public decision-making.

In Auckland, one of the world's most diverse cities, youth are underrepresented in traditional consultation processes. Indigenous Māori, Pasifika and migrant communities face structural barriers to participation. Buzzly was created to redesign rigid engagement systems and embed youth voice within governance.

Council departments translate complex policy issues into youth-accessible digital challenges. Campaigns are co-designed with youth ambassadors to ensure cultural relevance. Challenges run for three weeks, during which young people aged 13–24 submit creative responses. Submissions are synthesised into insights reports and fed directly into departmental planning and local board processes.

Participation occurs through video, visual art, spoken word and writing. Contributors receive individualised feedback and micro-rewards, recognising civic contribution as valuable labour.

Youth retain intellectual property ownership. Reuse of creative work requires explicit consent and additional compensation, shifting participation from extractive consultation to ethical co-creation.

Since launch, 2,710 young people have registered, generating 2,050 submissions across 37 campaigns. 42% identify as Māori or Pasifika and 40% as migrants. Over NZD $60,000 has been distributed directly to youth contributors.

Buzzly is embedded across 11 departments and various Local Boards. Youth insights have informed Auckland's 30-year water resilience plan, climate action and neighbourhood priorities. Council publications are now being reviewed to include dedicated sections highlighting youth creativity alongside traditional data.

Recognised internationally and nationally, Buzzly demonstrates how civic technology can institutionalise youth participation and strengthen democratic trust. 

Learn more about: www.buzzly.nz 

https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1867.pdf 

https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1868.pdf