Keen teens sought for Youth MP role

Every three years a Horowhenua or Kapiti teenager earns the right to sit in my sheepskin clad seat in Parliament as my Youth MP for Otaki.

This representative in 2019 will deliver a speech to the Youth Parliament and get involved in select committees and even vote on legislation. It’s a great opportunity for a teenager aged 16-18 years who enjoys politics and wants to debate topical youth issues.

The New Zealand Youth Parliament was first held in 1994, being held to mark the 20th anniversary of the voting age being lowered to 18. Back then it consisted of a single educational day in Parliament. Now it has grown significantly to provide a more genuine representation of what goes on.

The six month Youth Parliament programme provides an opportunity for local engagement with other students on topics and issues they care deeply about.

Some MPs who are now in Parliament went through the Youth Parliament process and talk fondly of their experiences and it helped whet their appetite for more.

Youth Parliament takes place on July 16-17, 2019 and the Youth MP tenure is from March 1 to August 31, 2019. If anyone is interested please visit my website https://nathanguy.national.org. nz or ring my offices in Levin 06 367 9110 or Paraparaumu 04 298 2906 for more information.

I’m looking forward to the selection process and finding my proud Youth MP for Otaki.