Youth MPs wanted for 2019

The nationwide participant selection process for Youth Parliament 2019 is under way.

All Members of Parliament are on the search for a young person to represent them and their community as a Youth Member of Parliament (MP) in 2019.

Youth Parliament is a non-partisan process held every three years.

The Youth Parliament 2019 programme will run from March 1 to August 31, with a two-day event taking place on July 16 and 17 in Parliament.

Youth MPs are mentored by their MP, enabling them to build their confidence and skills, and enhance their understanding of the role of an MP and of the communities they represent.

Young people who aspire to become journalists or who are interested in the workings of government from the perspective of the Press Gallery are able to apply to be a part of the Youth Press Gallery (YPG) for Youth Parliament 2019.

The YPG provides a unique developmental opportunity for rangatahi and replicates an important part of New Zealand’s democratic process.

Young people aged 16 to 18 years of age on the selection closing date (October 19, 2018) are eligible to become a Youth MP, while Youth Press Gallery members can be between 16 and 24 years old.

For more information on Youth Parliament 2019 and how young people can get involved, visit tinyurl.com/yblb95pp