Even as the raging controversy between Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross and Leader of Opposition Simon Bridges, made screaming headlines, a speech competition to select a Youth MP for Botany went ahead on Monday evening at the Howick Bowling Club.
While no one that evening knew the fate of the Mr Ross’ career, young representatives from different colleges in the area- vied to represent him in Parliament as they spoke on the fiery topic `Should there be limits on free speech in a democratic society?’
Each Member of Parliament selects a Youth MP to represent them in Parliament for two days in July. The youth MP gets a chance to experience what it like is to be in Parliament for two days.
The young speakers were judged by a motley group of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Somerville, Rotary Club of Botany East Tamaki and Highbrook Rotary as well as the Lions Club and National Party loyalists.
While Leane Te Boekhorts from Ormiston College, Kelly Mascarenhas from Santa Maria College, Kate Hartley from Botany Downs Secondary College, Ethan McCormick from Howick College and Jordyn Trallop from Elim Christian College well articulated their thoughts on the pro and cons of freedom of speech, the audience voted by secret ballot.
The contenders for the Botany seat in Parliament were asked about their priority and goals, should they be chosen as Youth MP for Botany.
Finally Kate Hatley from Botany Downs Secondary College was declared as a winner that will represent the Botany MP in Parliament. She said she her priority would be to encourage diversity and focus on mental health.
The Times had earlier written about Kate entering an international short film competition with her film From the Hospital Bed that captures some of her experiences of hitting rock bottom after falling off a skateboard and struggling to walk for two years.
The speech competition was run by Mr Ross’s efficient staff.
