What’s important to our youth?
Some might not be able to vote, but youth in the Upper Harbour region have strong views on what they care about this election.
Climate change, education, mental health, homelessness and the youth vote are just some of the issues they’re thinking about.
North Harbour News spoke to students at Albany Senior High School, Hobsonville Point Secondary School and Massey High School to canvas their views.
Ria Sharma said schools need to change in line with the shifting nature of the workforce.
‘‘So that means integrated subjects, that could be more collaboration with teachers and students, and it could also be things like student choice,’’ the 15-year-old said.
Albany Senior High School student Jessica Lee, 17, said she felt homelessness was not an issue that was recognised by political parties.
‘‘Homelessness is a growing issue in the community, and we have one of the worst levels of homelessness in the OECD.’’
William Lynch, 15, can’t vote but would like the voting age lowered. However, the Hobsonville Point Secondary School student wants to see systems in place before this happens.
Albany Senior High School’s Benjamin Forrester, 17, also cared about the youth vote.
‘‘I feel like it would be a better representation of the country if more young adults were able to vote.’’
Massey High School deputy head boy Te Ruki Pierce-Dunn, 18, said he cared about the potential of fellow Maori and Pacific students.
‘‘I can see the potential that my peers have. Not only do I want to succeed, but I want my peers to succeed in everything they do and be the best that they can be.’’
With almost one in six New Zealanders experiencing mental illness at some point during their life time, Jalen Wilson, 16, said the Government’s package to fund $100 million towards mental health was a good start.
Climate change was most important to Upper Harbour Local Board Youth Caucus chairwoman Amy Irvine.
‘‘We need to be kind of the forefront leaders in the world on combating climate change.’’