Youth leader to be first New Zealand female to speak in UK Parliament

Royal Commonwealth Society Wellington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

24 October 2012

Youth leader and Victoria University student, Chloe Oldfield, will become the first female New Zealander to speak in the Parliament of the United Kingdom in December. She has been chosen by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, along with Judge’s Clerk and Rhodes Scholar, Max Harris, to represent New Zealand at the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament.

Miss Oldfield, 20, has been enthusiastically involved with the Royal Commonwealth Society since her last year of high school. She represented New Plymouth Girls’ High School at the annual national Student Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 200, and has since risen to become one of the Deputy Conference Directors for the Royal Commonwealth Society Wellington.

“I am excited to represent my country abroad, and I look forward to the challenges I will no doubt face over the week of discussions in London,” says Miss Oldfield. “I have received huge support from all my family, friends, and even Prime Minister John Key and Labour Leader, David Shearer. Thank you all so much.”

Royal Commonwealth Society Wellington branch president, Darryl Stevens, said that he is enormously proud of Chloe and Max for rising to the top of a huge list of potential delegates. “This is a huge milestone for RCS Wellington as it is the first time anybody from the Wellington branch has been represented at the Commonwealth Youth Parliament. This is such a fantastic accomplishment for both Chloe and Max, and I am sure it is just the start of big things to come. I wish them all the best and hope they have a lot of fun.”

The 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament will be held in London, England, from December 4 – 7. Delegates will discuss issues ranging from good governance and climate change, to the rule of law and poverty, as well debate a mock Speech from the Throne in the House of Lords, and undertake Parliamentary debates in the House of Commons. They will be hosted by The Right Honourable John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, and Baroness D'Souza, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords. Both Speakers will preside over respective debates. They will also meet with deputy Commonwealth Secretary-General, Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, and CPA Chairman and former Speaker of the House of Commons, The Right Honourable Sir Alan Haselhurst.

The Youth Parliamentarians will also pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate Her Diamond Jubilee.

ENDS

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