Kids inspired to vote

Students at schools around Auckland have voted for the mayor, councillors and local board candidates in mock classroom elections.

A group of year 7 students at Murrays Bay Intermediate say it’s because young people need to have a say.

About 11,700 students from 56 schools participated in Auckland Council’s Kids Voting programme to get students to think about the local body elections.

Students spent several weeks learning about local governance, including councillors, local boards and the mayor, before casting a vote in the classroom.

The results of the vote will be announced on October 13, the same day as the official results.

Phil Goff and his housing policy swayed some students at the school to vote for him but other candidates also got the tick.

Zac Manning, 11, says the programme allowed him to have a say in politics and the ‘‘adult world’’. He voted for the youngest mayoral candidate Chloe Swarbrick.

‘‘She is one of the younger people and I think she’ll focus more on the younger people of Auckland,’’ Manning says.

Both Jenny Hong, 12, and Melanie Kettell liked the look of Aileen Austin citing her goal of reducing debt. Kettell says the council needs a fresh start.

The students also learned about the role of Auckland Council and what voting actually means.

Eliza Ferguson-Dudding says she has seen her parents voting and the programme gave her an opportunity to do the same.

The group also learned about poor voter turnout in younger people and say they are inspired to turn up when they come of age.

Anna Thomson, 12, says the kids are the next generation.

‘‘If Vic Crone or whoever becomes mayor and changes things, that will affect us not the adults.’’

Auckland Council’s general manager of democracy services Marguerite Delbet says the programme, which started in 2001, establishes voting as a good habit early.

‘‘We want to provide them with the tools and support they need to actively participate in our local democracy,’’ Delbet says.

The other North Shore schools participating in the programme are Northcote Intermediate, Westminister Christian School and Albany Junior High School.

ZIZI SPARKS/FAIRFAX NZ ABOVE: Sara Birch, 12, is going to vote for Phil Goff because he says he will make Auckland house prices cheaper and expand transport options. LEFT FROM TOP: Zac Manning, Ashley Sng, and Melanie Kettell, all 11 cast their votes for Chloe Swarbrick, Vic...