Young NZ First role for local gives branch ‘bigger voice’
Whanganui’s Matthew Urry hopes his new role with Young New Zealand First will enable him to get more young people involved in the party.
The 22-year-old, who is a member of New Zealand Fi r s t ’ s Whanganui branch committee, has been elected deputy chairman and treasurer of Young New Zealand First.
“I’ve been involved with New Zealand First for about two and a half years.
“Young New Zealand First is helping with fundraising for the main party and helping to spread messages on the main principles of the party. We are supporting local electorates and attending O weeks at universities twice a year.
“Young New Zealand First has about 400 supporters at the moment and one of our goals is to turn them into actual members.”
There were currently about 200 financial members of Young New Zealand First.
“Younger people in Whanganui are interested in politics and they have told me they like our policies but they want to see more support from the main party down here,” Urry said.
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark would visit Whanganui in February to talk about his career in the New Zealand Defence Force, which might appeal to students and younger people, and list MP Darroch Ball would also visit, Urry said.
Whanganui branch chairman Reg Skipworth said Urry’s election was a coup for Whanganui.
“It means we have a bigger voice within the party nationally,” Skipworth said.
“We have always polled very well locally for the party vote and that will continue to be our main aim. This gives us more ability to show people that we don’t just talk about Young New Zealand First but have a very strong team of people in Young New Zealand First and now have the ability to grow the base of membership between 18 to 30-year-olds. That’s the key for any party.
“New Zealand First isn’t just there for retired people or those coming up for Super as has been perceived. We’re there for all New Zealanders.”
Skipworth said although there were few young members of New Zealand First in Whanganui, there was a united committee and active group of supporters working towards the next election.
Urry said he had always been interested in politics and hoped to eventually become an MP for New Zealand First so he could assist Ma¯ori and Pasifika constituents.