Young east Aucklanders with political aspirations are invited to apply to become their electorate’s next Youth Member of Parliament.
A two-day Youth Parliament is held every three years in Wellington and gives young Kiwis the chance to learn about New Zealand’s democracy and debate and discuss important legislation.
The next Youth Parliament is being staged in the capital over July 19-20 next year with the Youth MPs’ full term running from March 1 to August 31.
Among the parliamentarians looking for a Youth MP to represent their local electorate are Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown and Botany MP Christopher Luxon.
Candidates must be aged 16-18 years on November 12 this year.
Brown says he’s seeking a “capable and confident” individual who lives in the Pakuranga electorate to fill the role.
It’s an exciting opportunity for young people across New Zealand to come together and share their passion and ideas for the country, he says.
“Being our community’s Youth MP is a prestigious and demanding role with the successful applicant asked to seek out the views of their peers in the six months leading up to Youth Parliament to ensure they’re truly representative of their community.
“Nominees should first and foremost be engaged with the issues facing New Zealand today, particularly the challenges faced by the next generation of Kiwis.
“Ideally they will have a strong record of leadership and service within our community and feel confident in their ability to express their views and those held by the young people they aim to represent.”
Brown says applicants should be able to commit to attending the Youth Parliament and fulfilling the full Youth MP term.
Luxon says he wants to find a driven and community-minded young person to fill the role.
“I’m looking for an outstanding Youth MP to represent Botany and use their voice to make a difference in our community,” he says.
“Youth Parliament gives young people across New Zealand the chance to learn about and participate in the parliamentary process.
“As a first-term MP myself, there’s plenty I’m still learning about Parliament and the successful candidate will get to have the same experience of seeing how our House of Representatives works first-hand.
“The Botany Youth MP will get to build their leadership skills and give a voice to young people in our electorate and the issues they care deeply about.”
Botany’s next Youth MP must live or attend school in the electorate.
Candidates can apply by sending Luxon a short video explaining why they believe they’d make a “great” Youth MP.
Email links to application videos and any questions about the selection process to botany@parliament.govt.nz.
Applications close on November 15.
Prospective applicants for the role of Pakuranga Youth MP can phone Brown’s office on 572 0000 or email PakurangaMP@parliament.govt.nz.
Alternatively, submit an online application at www.simeonbrown.national.org.nz/youthparliament2022.
