Youth Parliament 2010 is coming to Wellington 6-7 July. Could you be the next Youth MP for Otaki?

If you are:

• 16-18 years old (inclusive) at the time of Youth Parliament 2010
• Active in your community
• Committed to contributing your best for Youth Parliament 2010
• Passionate about youth issues, politics and/or social change
• Able to seek the views, opinions and ideas of your peers and represent these at Youth Parliament 2010
• Able to undertake the time commitment of being a Youth MP

Then let Nathan know:

• Why you want to be his Youth MP?
• What you think are the most important issues for young people in the Kapiti/Horowhenua region?
• What attributes and skills will make you an effective Youth MP?
(Total 500 words maximum)

Fill in the application form together with your answers to the above questions and send to nathan.guy@national.org.nz before 10 March. Successful nominees will be interviewed by Nathan, with a final decision being made on 26 March.

For further information ring 04 298 2906 or 06 367 9110.

APPLICATION FORM

Frequently asked Questions

What is Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament sits every three years at the Parliament Buildings in Wellington. Youth MPs are selected by sitting MPs. This means there are as many Youth MPs as there are elected MPs.

All Youth MPs will be independent MPs and aged between 16 and 18 years.

During Youth Parliament, Youth MPs have the opportunity to debate a mock bill, engage in general debate, sit on select committees, and take tours within the parliamentary complex.

It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to experience leadership, get involved in decision-making and take a stand on important issues of the day which are relevant to them and their peers.

Objectives of Youth Parliament

• To give young people the opportunity to have their views heard by key decision-makers and the general public.

• To help young people to understand and actively participate in parliamentary processes.

• To help young people learn how to influence a governmental decision making as active citizens

• To highlight the importance of helping young people understand how decisions are made and how they can be involved in influencing their worlds.

Why would you want to be a Youth MP?

A lot of people think Parliament is only what is seen on TV when MPs are arguing at each other in the debating Chamber. But there are many activities an MP is involved in day to day.

These include:
• Listening to many people about a range of different issues and concerns
• Writing papers and answering numerous letters
• Holding and attending meetings
• Making decisions
• Working with others

Youth MPs briefly experience this challenge in the two days of Youth Parliament.

What happens at the Youth Parliament?

• Youth MPs are fully involved in the following programme of activities:
• Powhiri and official Opening of Youth Parliament
• Select Committees of enquiry of relevant government agencies
• Caucus meetings
• Oral question time and general debate in the house
• Debate on a specific bill proposed by the Youth MPs

What happens before Youth Parliament?

Before Youth Parliament those selected as Youth MPs are expected to meet with a wide range of young people in their local area to discuss their concerns and issues.

This is so they can properly represent the voice of young people when they participate in the select committees, legislative and general debates held during Youth Parliament.

The Youth MPs will also have to read and prepare a lot of material before they take part in the process, just as MPs do.

Youth Parliament 2010 Programme

Additional Information click here