Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie

19 February 2013

Local MP looking for young person to represent the Maungakiekie Electorate in Wellington

Maungakiekie MP Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has commenced this year’s search for a capable young person to represent the Maungakiekie electorate in Youth Parliament 2013. He is inviting young people aged 16 – 18 to apply to be selected the next Youth MP for Maungakiekie.

“This is an exciting opportunity for one our electorate’s youth to experience first-hand and participate in the machinery of government, and be part of the public decision making processes in New Zealand,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“I am looking for an exceptional young person who is willing to get out and engage with the youth in our communities, gather their views and represent them in Parliament.

“If successful, this person will join 120 other Youth MPs from all over New Zealand when they take over New Zealand’s Parliament on 16 and 17 July.

“This year, my selection process will include engaging with local secondary schools to nominate two students for an opportunity to compete against other nominated students from the other local secondary schools at a gala evening on 3 April, to be selected my Youth MP by the selection panel.

Mr Lotu-Iiga further advises that, in addition to nominations from secondary schools, in recognition of young people who may be suitable for nomination but not currently in the secondary schooling system, there will also be opportunity to submit an application through the Electorate Office, for consideration to compete against the other nominated students.

“I am hopeful this face-off evening will prove an entertaining event, and attract the support of all of our community, young and old, to help us select the best possible candidate to represent me, and our youth in the Maungakiekie electorate in Parliament,” says Mr Lotu-Iiga.

“Anyone interested in becoming a Youth MP but not currently in secondary schooling, should contact the Electorate Office on sam4maungakiekie@parliament.govt.nz for an application form and information pack.

Youth Parliament 2013 is a significant opportunity for young New Zealanders to share their views and the views of their peers with the country’s decision-makers. Youth Parliament has been held every parliamentary term since 1994.

Nominated Youth MPs will hold the title from 1 May to 31 December 2013. They are expected to engage with their community during this time, so all New Zealand youth have the opportunity to have their voice heard.

Youth Parliament 2013 is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Clerk, the Parliamentary Service and New Zealand’s 121 Members of Parliament.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Youth Parliament?

Youth Parliament has been held every three to four years, or once every Parliament term, since 1994 and gives young New Zealanders the opportunity to gain an understanding of the parliamentary and government decision making processes.

It is also a unique opportunity for Members of Parliament (MPs) to learn about the important issues affecting young people today as well as understand their aspirations and ideas for moving our nation forward.

Who organises Youth Parliament?
Youth Parliament 2013 is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Office of the Clerk, the Parliamentary Service and New Zealand’s 121 Members of Parliament.

When will Youth Parliament 2013 be held?
The seventh Youth Parliament will be held in the Parliamentary Buildings on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 July 2013.

Who is involved with Youth Parliament?
Youth Parliament 2013 will involve 121 Youth MPs and 10 Youth Press Gallery members.

Every MP will select a Youth MP to represent them and their community.

The Youth Press Gallery members will be selected by the Parliamentary Press Gallery to report on the events of Youth Parliament 2013.

What will Youth MPs do at Youth Parliament?
Youth Parliament is as close as possible to the real thing. During the event, Youth MPs will debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask oral questions of Cabinet Ministers. They will also have the opportunity to meet various MPs and learn more about the role of an MP.

What will the Youth Press Gallery do during Youth Parliament?
To gain an understanding of how the Parliamentary Press Gallery operates while the House is sitting, the Youth Press Gallery members will sit in the Press Gallery seats while observing the debates and will also attend select committee sessions. They will then put together stories of these events so that the concerns and recommendations of the Youth MP’s are presented to other young people, key decision makers and the general public.

The Youth Press Gallery will also attend a session run by the Parliamentary Press Gallery which will provide them with an understanding of the role of the media in Parliament and support them with the writing and publishing of their stories.

Who can apply for Youth Parliament 2013?
Young people aged between 16 to 18 years (inclusive) can apply to become a Youth MP. A Youth MP will be someone who is active in their community and passionate about youth issues and politics. They will be confident and able to seek the views, opinions and ideas of their peers and represent these at Youth Parliament.

Young aspiring journalists aged between 16 and 24 years (inclusive) are invited to apply to become a Youth Press Gallery member. A Youth Press Gallery member will be a student studying journalism, communications or media or a secondary school student with a strong and active interest in the media, or they may be working at a media outlet as an intern or junior reporter.

Applicants will need to be available to attend Youth Parliament 2013 on 16 and 17 July.

How can young people apply to become a Youth MP?
Youth MPs are selected by electorate and list MPs. Each MP will run their own selection process to recruit their Youth MP. In previous years, MPs have used a range of methods for selecting their Youth MP, such as an essay or speech competition. Young people interested in applying for Youth Parliament 2013 should contact their local MP’s office.

The selection process for Youth MPs will run from 11 February to 5 April.

How can young people apply to become a Youth Press Gallery member?
Young people interested in applying to be part of the Youth Press Gallery should contact the Ministry of Youth Development at beheard@youthparliament.govt.nz for further information.

The selection process for Youth Press Gallery members will run from 11 February to 5 April.

How long will the young people remain as Youth MP or Youth Press Gallery?
Youth MPs and Youth Press Gallery members will have the opportunity to hold their title from 1 May to 31 December 2013.

During this time Youth MPs will actively engage with their community to gain an understanding of the ideas and concerns of youth in the area. Youth Press Gallery members will continue to keep up to date with the Youth MPs activities during their tenure and provide updates for the Ministry of Youth Development’s communication channels including the Aotearoa Youth Voices newsletter.
ENDS

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