Nobody can argue that young people aren’t thinking about politics — and for those who think we don’t, you’re mistaken. Politics is everything: the cost of rent, whether you can find a secure job, the climate you’re inheriting, the health system you rely on, and the opportunities your family has. To say young people aren’t political is to ignore the choices we make every day about our future.

A lot of young people tell me they feel treated as an accessory in politics — useful to make campaigns relatable or tick a diversity box, but rarely asked to help shape the vision for the future. Everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the vision we’re all trying to create. Young people are a piece of the pie, and we also need a slice for ourselves. Who could argue with that?

Every day, around 201 Kiwis leave the country, many under 30, looking for opportunity elsewhere. It’s becoming a routine story for my generation: finishing university, not finding a secure, well-paid job, and heading overseas. With a growing population that is aging faster than we are creating opportunities, this isn’t just a youth issue — it’s a national one.

Young people make up 753,770 of the 4,096,874 eligible voters — nearly a quarter of the electorate. Without a doubt, young people can make or break elections. Yet only 57% of 18–24-year-olds are enrolled to vote, and even fewer actually turn out. This isn’t laziness — it’s a crisis of hope.

The reality is that young people know how to make change happen. We’ve mobilised over 170,000 people in climate strikes, lobbied for fairer working conditions, and helped design mental health frameworks for government agencies. In most cases, young people have sparked ideas for meaningful change that decision-makers of the day then implement. We know how to organise, how to listen, and how to get things done. What’s missing isn’t energy or ideas — it’s trust, opportunity, and the chance to shape the decisions that affect us.

Right now, policy responses are failing to keep pace with the challenges young people face. Housing remains out of reach for many, secure work is harder to find than ever, and opportunities to influence decision-making are limited. Every political party has a responsibility to engage young people, include them in decisions, and ensure policies reflect the voices of those who will inherit the outcomes.

So, how do young people win in 2026? The answer is simple and pragmatic: by taking our place at the table and turning our energy into action. When we see ourselves reflected in the choices being made in the policies, debates, and decisions that affect our lives — we’re not just more likely to turn out to vote. We’ll bring our ideas, organisation, and determination to the campaigns, shaping change for our generation and the next. And let’s be clear: what strengthens young people strengthens everyone.

The 2026 election isn’t just another vote — it’s an opportunity to ensure young people are part of shaping the country we want to live in. If we get this right, we can build a future that is fair, sustainable, and made right here in Aotearoa.

By Ethan Reille, Chair of the Social Change Collective

© Scoop Media