High school students to get a taste of politics at Albany [Cancelled]

Update 6/6/14: The day-long politics event at Albany campus featuring Members of Parliament Steven Joyce and Grant Robertson planned for June 13 has been cancelled.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014
High school students to get a taste of politics at Albany

Senior high school students from across Auckland will get a chance to learn from today’s political leaders at a day-long event on Friday June 13.

Hosted by the School of People, Environment and Planning, the day features Minister of Tertiary Education the Hon Steven Joyce and Labour MP Grant Robertson speaking at two separate sessions, reflecting on their careers and the role of parliament and the government.

Politics lecturer and event organiser Dr Damien Rogers says it’s a fantastic opportunity for senior high school students to gain insight into the world of politics, and reflect on the issues that are important to them.

“Studies show that getting young voters engaged early means they are more likely to vote regularly, but in the 2011 election 42 per cent of eligible voters aged 18-24 did not vote. Why was that? Was it just apathy or is there a deeper reason? By exposing these students to political discussion in an election year, we may be able to encourage them to think about voting, and maybe even consider a career in politics.”

Associate Professor Grant Duncan and Associate Professor Richard Shaw will participate in a panel discussion after each speaker has finished.

“With the 2014 elections looming, it’s the perfect opportunity for students to find out more about the democratic process of voting, and how they can be better informed and involved. With the changes currently happening in the political landscape, it’s really important that young voters get thinking about how it could affect them,” says Dr Rogers.

The event starts at Massey’s Albany campus at 10.30 am, with Grant Robertson speaking at the morning session, and the Hon Steven Joyce speaking at the afternoon session.

If you would like to attend either session, or the whole day, please contact Dr Damien Rogers:
D.R.Rogers@massey.ac.nz or call: 09 414 0800 extn: 43478.

Schedule:

10.15 Students arrive at Massey University
10.30 General discussion on New Zealand politics led by Associate Professor Grant Duncan
11.00 Grant Robertson speaks
12.00 Lunch
12.45 Students re-seated for afternoon session
1 pm Hon Steven Joyce speaks
2pm Event closes

Update 6/6/14: The day-long politics event at Albany campus featuring Members of Parliament Steven Joyce and Grant Robertson planned for June 13 has been cancelled.

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