Youth MPs accuse govt of 'censoring' them
The protocols followed for this year's Youth Parliament are the same as previous years, the Ministry of Youth Development says, after accusations of censorship.
However, the email sent to one Youth MP carries the subject line "changes required", and stated the ministry "have had to make some changes".
Some of the Youth MPs involved say they will not be suppressed and the issue has fuelled the fire to make their voices heard.
The Labour Party has criticised the approach taken after some Youth MPs were asked to remove parts of their speeches, because some of their speech lacked political neutrality by criticising "this government".
Changes recommended included the removal of general mentions of the Treaty Principles Bill, funding for Māori and Pasifika, and Pay Equity. Speeches about "youth voice" and "freedom of speech" were also edited.
In a written statement, Ministry of Youth Development general manager John Robertson said the same protocol had been followed as was used in 2022, and the feedback provided on the Youth MPs' speeches was "generally focused on supporting them to convey their arguments clearly and effectively, and in keeping with the non-partisan approach of Youth Parliament".
"We also advised some Youth MPs that changes were required to their speeches to avoid putting themselves at risk. Youth MPs are not protected by parliamentary privilege. This means young people could be held liable if the contents of their speech raise concerns around defamation, copyright, privacy, contempt of court, or broadcasting standards.
"However, as noted above, the final decision about what they say is made by the Youth MPs."
Robertson said the ministry had in some cases told the Youth MPs "it is your decision around what your speech does and does not contain".
"From here, it is your choice how you use [our] feedback. You are the one stepping up to speak and we fully respect your right to shape your speech in the way that feels right to you."
However, the email RNZ has seen did not include such a statement.
The ministry confirmed it had provided feedback to "about half of the 80 young people who will deliver speeches", and that they were shifting from the approach used in 2019 and 2022 of livestreaming the speeches to instead sending the recordings to the participants after the event.
This was "due to resourcing constraints... the participants are welcome to share this footage with others, and online", the ministry said.
Minister for Youth James Meager said the speeches were not censored.
"We do not censor the speeches of Youth MPs. We provide feedback, and in some cases suggest changes for them to consider, but we have been clear to all Youth MPs that they make the final decision about the content of their speech."
He provided a written statement, much of which matched the ministry's statement word for word.
However, the Youth MPs spoke to reporters at Parliament with one - Thomas Brocherie, a spokesperson for Make it 16 (a group pushing for a voting age of 16) - said the approach taken to the speeches was diluting the value of the Youth Parliament.
"We have been told to not argue on either side of contentious issues such as the pay equity reforms or the Treaty Principles Bill for the excuse that they are current topics in the current Parliament. This is not just illogical, it is censorship," he said.
"We cannot say we value democracy unless we actually show and prove we value democracy. Silencing the stakeholders of the future does not value democracy."
Another Youth MP Nate Wilbourne, a spokesperson for Gen Z Aotearoa, said rangatahi were being silenced and censored.
"We've been told to soften our language, to drop key parts of our speeches and to avoid criticizing certain ministers or policies. This isn't guidance. This is fear-based control."
Brocherie said the emails being titled "changes required" was "not at all a suggestion, that is blatant editing, they want us to change something to suit their purpose, to suit their agenda".
Youth MP Lincoln Jones said they were provided with "a PDF of edited changes... delivered to our inbox, and that was the expected requirement, that we speak that speech".
"It's honestly like they've gone through with it with a microscope to find any little thing that might be interpreted wrong against, I guess, the current government."
Some of them sent responses to the ministry asking for clarification about the changes.
"And what did we get? An automatic copy and pasted reply that is not at all in the principles of what Youth Parliament is," Jones said.
"They claim to listen to us, they claim to want to uplift us, they send us an automatic copy and pasted response on the thing we have three minutes to speak about. That's not good enough."
He said the experience had encouraged him even further to put himself forward to become an MP.
"It honestly fuels that fire within me, and I think for all of us to put it out there and to make our voices heard."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
Fauono Ken Laban: First Pacific Candidate For Lower Hutt Mayoralty
Community leader Fauono Ken Laban has officially announced his candidacy for the Lower Hutt mayoralty, making him the first Pacific candidate to enter the race to replace outgoing Mayor Campbell Barry. He promises to unite the city and refocus the council on fundamental priorities. As the son of Sāmoan migrants who built their life in Wainuiomata, Fauono is a well-known broadcaster, community leader, and former police officer. He launched his campaign on Tuesday with the slogan 'Leadership That Unites, Priorities That Deliver.' Fauono's decision to run is rooted in the principles of service, teamwork, and practical focus. He says his experience in policing, sports, and community service has taught him that real progress comes from teamwork and putting people first. 'I've been a player, a captain, and a coach. I know what it takes to build a team that gets results,' he says. 'You need trust, shared goals, and the discipline to work together. Leading a city is no different. It's not about ego, it's about bringing everyone to the table to serve something bigger than ourselves.' 'I've spent my life bringing people together - on the field, in the community, and across the region. Real results come from teamwork. As Mayor, I'll unite people around clear priorities, listen to every voice, and lead a Council that truly works for our city.' Fauono's vision for Lower Hutt includes partnering with mana whenua, supporting the retention of Māori wards, and prioritising strong local connections to improve safety. 'Unity isn't a slogan, it's how I lead. It's about respecting people's voices, building trust, and getting the best out of everyone,' he says. 'When I was a community constable, I learned that real safety comes from strong relationships. It's not just about policing, it's about knowing your neighbours, having safe spaces for our young people, and ensuring support is there when families need it.' Fauono advocates for a return to basics, ensuring that council spending delivers value for money, supporting local businesses and workers, and relieving pressure on households. He envisions a council that truly puts people at the heart of its work - one that listens, follows through, and achieves tangible results for the community. 'Ratepayers deserve value for money. I'll make sure every dollar counts – focusing on the basics like water and roads, while creating opportunities for local businesses and workers. 'We can't keep putting all the pressure on households. It's time for smarter, more disciplined leadership. 'Because when we unite around shared values and clear priorities, there's nothing we can't achieve together.' In a statement to Local Democracy Reporting, Fuaono discussed the importance of Pacific representation, his decision to stand, and how he plans to engage with youth. 'My story is one of many Hutt Valley residents. The son of Sāmoan migrants who built their life here, raised to lead through acts of service. My decision to run for Mayor is grounded in that upbringing. I love my community so I have been called to serve them,' he says. 'I work with a number of young people, coaching multiple age grade rugby league teams here in the Hutt. They used to call me uncle but now with a few more grey hairs on my head, they call me Papa Ken instead. 'I will be bringing them on this campaign with me, getting their input on my decisions, knowing they can reach people in ways I can't.' Gabriel Tupou, Hutt City Councillor and the only Pasifika, told LDR that Fauono's candidacy could transform Pacific representation and increase voter turnout. 'This is very significant for our Pacific community because we haven't had a mayor of Pacific descent. Ken represents the best of us,' Tupou says. 'Ken's a local legend - well-known and respected, not just in Wainuiomata or Lower Hutt but across the Wellington region. 'His candidacy is a game changer, it will mobilise and motivate our people to vote. We've got a large Pacific community here, and I think that's what his campaign will do.' Tupou says Fauono's background and life experience allow him to connect with ordinary residents, especially Pacific families facing similar challenges. 'Ken comes from humble circumstances. He doesn't come from privilege. He understands the struggles our Pasifika families go through. He's a man of the people, so he knows what the issues are. With those insights, he brings strength, wisdom, leadership and humility.' He described Fauono as 'a local legend' and 'a statesman' with broad appeal and a legacy of mentoring young people, saying, 'Ken has a wide reach. He's down to earth and accessible to the community.' Fauono joins sitting councillors Brady Dyer and Karen Morgan, as well as community advocate Prabha Ravi, who have also confirmed their intention to contest the mayoral elections. More candidates are expected to announce before nominations close. Nominations for Lower Hutt's local elections open on Friday and close at noon on 1 August. Voting papers will go out from September, with the election day nationwide on 11 October.
Scoop
10 hours ago
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 1 July
Article – RNZ A round-up of news from around the region, including Niue government announcing its budget for 2025. Niue – budget Health, education, social welfare and government salaries have receives a boost in the Niue government's new NZ$12.5 million (US$7.6m) deficit budget. Last week, the island's finance minister announced the largest expenditure of the government is to cover the salaries of its workforce and the cost of social services. TV Niue reported the health department gets the highest increase in this budget of more than $880,000, a 26 percent boost. Cook Islands – firearms Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing firearm regulation and safety across the Pa Enua (outer islands). Cook Islands News reported this includes the resumption of police-issued ammunition and plans to simplify the driving licensing process for tourists. Speaking in parliament, Brown confirmed that the Cook Islands Police has reinstated its role as the official supplier of ammunition to the Pa Enua. The move is expected to assist island communities in managing issues such as wild animal control. Papua New Guinea – chicken East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has raised concerns over a drop in chicken sales nationwide. Bird said the government banned the importation of frozen chicken from Australia and New Zealand with the pretext of protecting the Papua New Guinea industry from foreign competitors and diseases. He said it was a short-sighted decision and now as imported chicken stock runs out, the impact is being felt around the country. He said imported chickens retail at about 22 kina ($US5.33) per kilo, while locally produced chickens retail at about 40 kina. Bird said local chicken production will remain expensive because the chicken feed is imported and 80 per cent of the cost of producing a chicken is the feed cost. Samoa – festival A large Samoan festival – the Teuila Festival – has been cancelled this year. The festival, which features cultural performances and the Miss Samoa pageant, has been cancelled to avoid a timing clash with Samoa's general election. The Miss Samoa pageant has been rescheduled, to run from 27 October to 9 November. Fiji – ICC Fijian Nazhat Shameem Khan has been elevated to the topmost prosecutorial position at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Fiji Times reported the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC has announced that deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have taken over leadership, following prosecutor Karim Khan KC's temporary leave of absence. In May Khan, who is British, stepped aside pending the outcome of a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services investigation into alleged misconduct. Nazhat Shameem Khan is a Fijian diplomat and former judge. Fiji/PNG – anniversary Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is poised to attend Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby on 16 September. Local media reports Rabuka praising his PNG counterpart James Marape for his leadership in strengthening the region and expressed Fiji's commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with PNG. Fiji and PNG established diplomatic relations in 1975 and continue to build on their traditional, political, and economic partnership.
RNZ News
10 hours ago
- RNZ News
Youth MPs accuse government of censoring them
politics youth about 1 hour ago Youth MPs are accusing the government of censoring them over changes to their speeches in Parliament. The 11th Youth Parliament is underway, drawing young people from all over the country to Wellington to debate and speak about what matters most to them. Some rangatahi say they were told to avoid criticising the current government, and feel let down by the process. But organisers insist the changes are just recommendations and suggestions. Giles Dexter reports.
