Search is on for Youth MP
Scott
Simpson
MP For
Coromandel
MEDIA
RELEASE
18 February
2013
Search
is on for Youth MP
The search is on for an energetic, passionate young person to become the voice of Coromandel’s youth in the 2013 Youth Parliament in Wellington.
Local MP Scott Simpson is asking 16 to 18 year olds across the electorate who believe they have what it takes to become the Coromandel Youth MP to get involved in the selection process which will take the form of a speech competition.
“This is such an exciting opportunity. The Coromandel Youth MP will join 120 other young people from around the country in Wellington on July 16 and 17. Youth Parliament is as close as possible to the real thing. Youth MPs will debate legislation, sit on select committees and ask oral questions of Ministers. It is a unique chance to get first-hand experience of how Parliament works and to bring the views of your community straight to the decision makers in Government,” Mr Simpson explained.
To be considered, candidates will need to deliver a three minute speech on a set subject to a panel which will include Mr Simpson and 2 to 3 community representatives. The selection will take place in Thames on Friday, 22 March.
“I want to hear from young people who are willing to get out and seek the views, opinions and ideas of their peers and represent them in Parliament. They need to be good communicators and passionate about youth issues,” Mr Simpson said.
The Youth MP will hold their position from 1 May until 31 December this year. During this time they will be expected to actively engage with their community to gain an understanding of the concerns and ideas of youth in the Coromandel area.
Application forms are now available in schools, youth organisations and from the Electorate Office, 614 Pollen St, Thames. For more information phone 07 868 3529, email mpcoromandel@parliament.govt.nz or visit www.youthparliament.govt.nz
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NOTES
FOR EDITORS
• Youth
Parliament is organised by the Ministry of Youth
Development
• Youth Parliament started in 1994 and his
held once every Parliamentary term.
• Young people aged
between 16 and 18 years (inclusive) can apply to become a
Youth MP
• The aim of the Youth Parliament is to give
young New Zealanders the opportunity to gain and
understanding of the parliamentary and government decision
making process.
• It is also an opportunity for MPs to
learn about the issues affecting young people today and
their aspirations and ideas for moving out nation
forward.
• Young aspiring journalists aged 16 to 24
years (inclusive) can also apply to become a Youth Press
Gallery member. Further information on the Youth Press
Gallery is available at
www.youthparliament.govt.nz