The next Youth Parliament will occur in 2022, with Youth MPs participating in a tenure programme from 1 March to 31 August, including attending a two-day Youth Parliament event in Wellington on 19 and 20 July. The Youth Parliament programme gives young people the opportunity to understand and be a part of the Parliamentary process and connect with their communities. It will be a significant opportunity for up to 120 young New Zealanders to gather the views of their peers and bring young peoples’ voice to Parliament.
Every Member of Parliament will select a Youth MP to represent their community. I’m seeking applications from interested students from Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu to be included in my Youth MP selection process for the Nelson Electorate. Applicants will need to make a submission highlighting an issue that affects the youth of Nelson, the youth of Aotearoa New Zealand or youth globally, and their ideas for addressing the issue. The submission can be in the form of an essay (suggested word count 1000-2000 words), a recorded speech, a video or a creative contribution, such as an art work or song. I will shortlist five applicants, who will then give a short 5-minute speech to a small audience and a local selection panel. Applicants can send submissions to nelson@parliament.govt.nz .
I’m looking for a young person who is:
- aged 16 – 18 years old (inclusive) on 12 November 2021
- active in their community or region, or looking for ways to become active in their community or region (acknowledging that some candidates may not be familiar with politics or activism prior to applying)
- able to attend Youth Parliament on 19 and 20 July 2022 and commit to the Youth MP tenure, from 1 March to 31 August 2022 (training will be offered at the beginning of this tenure)
- interested in youth issues, politics and / or social change
- able to seek the views, opinions and ideas of their peers and represent them at the two-day Youth Parliament 2022 event
- prepared to work within the protocols and behavioural expectations of Youth Parliament 2022.
I would also like to encourage a range of voices to step forward. Like New Zealand Parliament, Youth Parliament will benefit from a range of voices, so I encourage young people with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities to step forward. Pastoral care will be provided, and accessibility requirements, such as NZSL interpretation / translation, will be provided for.
If you have any questions or would like more information on Youth Parliament 2022, please contact the Youth Parliament project team at youthparliament@parliament.govt.nz . Alternatively, please contact my office on 03 539 0480 or at nelson@parliament.govt.nz .
Yours faithfully
Rachel Boyack
MP for Nelson
