Latest news with #PeterDunne
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
The Value Of Youth MPs Put Under A Question Mark
Every three years young aspiring politicians flock to the Beehive for the Youth Parliament. Their debates are fiery and passionate, but are they ultimately pointless? A former politician says change is needed to the Youth Parliament system if it's to stay relevant. MP-turned political commentator Peter Dunne says the scheme isn't just "a rag-tag collection of young people coming together for a couple of days to play at being MPs", but if the event is going to be taken seriously, more consistency is required around its processes. That's not the case at the moment, in everything from how the teens are selected to the quality of the mentorship they're getting. The tri-annual event usually passes under the media radar, but this year's event was overshadowed by what a handful of Youth MPs said was censorship of their speeches. Dunne says he could understand the intention behind the message from the Ministry of Youth Development, which asked some students to remove parts of their speeches where they lacked political neutrality, but the issue could have been handled better. In the end, none of the students were stopped from making their speeches, even if they didn't make the changes. Youth Parliament has been held every three years for the past three decades and is described by the government as, "a unique opportunity for young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about our democracy, influence government decision-making, and have their voices heard". In many ways it's like the real thing, with MPs selecting teens to represent them for a couple of days in Parliament where they debate, give speeches and discuss fictional legislation. Dunne says often the young adults outshine the older MPs. "The contrast has usually been between the impeccable behaviour of the youth MPs and the somewhat unruly behaviour of their adult counterparts," he says. The first Youth Parliament was held in 1995 and initially was just a couple of days. Now the programme has expanded, running from April to August and Dunne questions how much teens take out of those extra two months and 29 days. "And more importantly, what weight is attached to that? They've got no formal status in the community, so what role can they play?" he asks. Dunne says much of what the young aspiring politicians learn and do is dependent on the MP they are mentored by. "In some cases they won't do very much, in some cases the MP will work actively with them and assign them a particular project," Dunne says. There also aren't any rules around how MPs select their mentee. Some get applicants to write essays, this year David Seymour held an election, and Dunne says a couple just shoulder tap the kids of a mate. "The time is right to have a proper review into its function and purpose, including the role of the Youth MPs, how they're selected and what are reasonable expectations of them. "Because I think that with a much clearer focus the youth parliament can play a much greater role than it has done to date," Dunne says. Oscar Duffy, representing List MP Melissa Lee became interested in politics last year when his nan was in hospital. "She's a Māori lady and she didn't have the best experience ... so that was a pretty key driver in me being interested in what's going on. "Obviously there's so much tension between Māori and the Crown ... and that affects my family really directly," he says. Duffy agrees that the degree of mentorship varies. He spent substantial time working on projects in his community and in Lee's Mount Albert office but says others didn't have the same experience. "[Ministers] have no time right? Ministers are so busy, I roomed with Simeon Brown's Youth MP and he didn't really see Simeon a lot, if at all," he says. Duffy sees youth parliament as an opportunity for those interested in politics to get an insight into the system. He says everyone attending this year had a keen interest in advocacy and change-making, but he admits that at times some see their role as more important than it is. "There's just a lot of politically charged people in one room. "Putting them all in the same room is great and it gets everyone talking to each other and firing off really good initiatives ... but yeah I guess some of them do think they are a bit more important than they are which is a shame because they probably should be more important and have more of a say," he says. But if he could change one thing Duffy would raise the age bracket because he thinks 16 is too young. "Even just move it up one year, 17-19, so there's more first year uni students who have been through high school, who have seen the whole system," he says. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.
Newsroom
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsroom
Youth MPs – what are they good for?
A former politician says change is needed to the Youth Parliament system if it's to stay relevant. MP-turned political commentator Peter Dunne says the scheme isn't just 'a rag-tag collection of young people coming together for a couple of days to play at being MPs,' but if the event is going to be taken seriously, more consistency is required around its processes. That's not the case at the moment, in everything from how the teens are selected to the quality of the mentorship they're getting. The triennial event usually passes under the media radar, but this year's event was overshadowed by what a handful of youth MPs said was censorship of their speeches. Dunne says he could understand the intention behind the message from the Ministry of Youth Development, which asked some students to remove parts of their speeches where they lacked political neutrality, but the issue could have been handled better. In the end, none of the students were stopped from making their speeches, even if they didn't make the changes. Youth Parliament has been held every three years for the past three decades and is described by the government as, 'a unique opportunity for young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about our democracy, influence government decision-making, and have their voices heard.' In many ways it's like the real thing with MPs selecting teens to represent them for a couple of days in Parliament where they debate, give speeches and discuss fictional legislation. Dunne says often the young adults outshine the older MPs. 'The contrast has usually been between the impeccable behaviour of the youth MPs and the somewhat unruly behaviour of their adult counterparts,' he says. The first Youth Parliament was held in 1995 and initially was just a couple of days. Now the programme has expanded, running from April to August and Dunne questions how much teens take out of those extra two months and 29 days. 'And more importantly, what weight is attached to that? They've got no formal status in the community, so what role can they play?' he asks. Dunne says much of what the young aspiring politicians learn and do is dependent on the MP they are mentored by. 'In some cases they won't do very much, in some cases the MP will work actively with them and assign them a particular project,' Dunne says. There also aren't any rules around how MPs select their mentee. Some get applicants to write essays, this year David Seymour held an election, and Dunne says a couple just shoulder tap the kids of a mate. 'The time is right to have a proper review into its function and purpose, including the role of the youth MPs, how they're selected and what are reasonable expectations of them. 'Because I think that with a much clearer focus the Youth Parliament can play a much greater role than it has done to date,' Dunne says. Oscar Duffy, representing List MP Melissa Lee, became interested in politics last year when his Nan was in hospital. 'She's a Māori lady and she didn't have the best experience … so that was a pretty key driver in me being interested in what's going on. 'Obviously there's so much tension between Māori and the Crown … and that affects my family really directly,' he says. Duffy agrees that the degree of mentorship varies. He spent substantial time working on projects in his community and in Lee's Mount Albert office but says others didn't have the same experience. '[Ministers] have no time right? Ministers are so busy, I roomed with Simeon Brown's youth MP and he didn't really see Simeon a lot, if at all,' he says. Duffy sees Youth Parliament as an opportunity for those interested in politics to get an insight into the system. He says everyone attending this year had a keen interest in advocacy and change making, but he admits that at times some see their role as more important than it is. 'There's just a lot of politically charged people in one room.' If he could change one thing Duffy would raise the age bracket for youth MPs because he thinks 16 is too young. 'Even just move it up one year, 17-19, so there's more first year uni students who have been through high school, who have seen the whole system,' he says. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here. You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Politics
- RNZ News
The value of Youth MPs put under a question mark
Photo: VNP/Louis Collins A former politician says change is needed to the Youth Parliament system if it's to stay relevant. MP-turned political commentator Peter Dunne says the scheme isn't just "a rag-tag collection of young people coming together for a couple of days to play at being MPs", but if the event is going to be taken seriously, more consistency is required around its processes. That's not the case at the moment, in everything from how the teens are selected to the quality of the mentorship they're getting. The tri-annual event usually passes under the media radar, but this year's event was overshadowed by what a handful of Youth MPs said was censorship of their speeches . Dunne says he could understand the intention behind the message from the Ministry of Youth Development, which asked some students to remove parts of their speeches where they lacked political neutrality, but the issue could have been handled better. In the end, none of the students were stopped from making their speeches, even if they didn't make the changes. Youth Parliament has been held every three years for the past three decades and is described by the government as, "a unique opportunity for young New Zealanders to learn first-hand about our democracy, influence government decision-making, and have their voices heard". In many ways it's like the real thing, with MPs selecting teens to represent them for a couple of days in Parliament where they debate, give speeches and discuss fictional legislation. Dunne says often the young adults outshine the older MPs. "The contrast has usually been between the impeccable behaviour of the youth MPs and the somewhat unruly behaviour of their adult counterparts," he says. The first Youth Parliament was held in 1995 and initially was just a couple of days. Now the programme has expanded, running from April to August and Dunne questions how much teens take out of those extra two months and 29 days. "And more importantly, what weight is attached to that? They've got no formal status in the community, so what role can they play?" he asks. Dunne says much of what the young aspiring politicians learn and do is dependent on the MP they are mentored by. "In some cases they won't do very much, in some cases the MP will work actively with them and assign them a particular project," Dunne says. There also aren't any rules around how MPs select their mentee. Some get applicants to write essays, this year David Seymour held an election, and Dunne says a couple just shoulder tap the kids of a mate. "The time is right to have a proper review into its function and purpose, including the role of the Youth MPs, how they're selected and what are reasonable expectations of them. "Because I think that with a much clearer focus the youth parliament can play a much greater role than it has done to date," Dunne says. Oscar Duffy, representing List MP Melissa Lee became interested in politics last year when his nan was in hospital. "She's a Māori lady and she didn't have the best experience ... so that was a pretty key driver in me being interested in what's going on. "Obviously there's so much tension between Māori and the Crown ... and that affects my family really directly," he says. Duffy agrees that the degree of mentorship varies. He spent substantial time working on projects in his community and in Lee's Mount Albert office but says others didn't have the same experience. "[Ministers] have no time right? Ministers are so busy, I roomed with Simeon Brown's Youth MP and he didn't really see Simeon a lot, if at all," he says. Duffy sees youth parliament as an opportunity for those interested in politics to get an insight into the system. He says everyone attending this year had a keen interest in advocacy and change-making, but he admits that at times some see their role as more important than it is. "There's just a lot of politically charged people in one room. "Putting them all in the same room is great and it gets everyone talking to each other and firing off really good initiatives ... but yeah I guess some of them do think they are a bit more important than they are which is a shame because they probably should be more important and have more of a say," he says. But if he could change one thing Duffy would raise the age bracket because he thinks 16 is too young. "Even just move it up one year, 17-19, so there's more first year uni students who have been through high school, who have seen the whole system," he says. Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here . You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter .
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Dr. Eric Chuah Will Be Running For Auckland Mayoralty, Ward (North Shore), And Kaipatiki Local Board
Eric Chuah former party strategist and electorate candidate for United NZ Hon. Peter Dunne who won the seat of Ohariu-Belmont in Wellington, and former candidate for a centrist party for Auckland seat of Maungakiekie (2023 elections) will be running for the Auckland Mayoralty, Ward (North Shore), and Kaipatiki Local Board. Dr. Eric Chuah as Independent candidate, combines academic teaching/research in psychology, sociology and business, policy development for Immigration policy(legislated in German Parliament 2020). with problem-solving consulting experience. He will provide pragmatic Action Plans to create and implement strategic vision for better delivery of local council services, minimize increase in rates, reduce unnecessary council spending and ensure safer policing and noise control for local residents and businesses. Locally he has proposed a 'community sharing' approach to solve the dog lovers vs. mums/dads with kids use of North Shores by simply adopting a successful approach adopted by Melbourne Council where dog lovers walking their dogs can do so from 3-5 pm and the rest of the public any time before and after. This was successfully implemented in Aspendale suburb of Auckland and save tremendous fencing costs in the millions which a faction of Auckland Councilors are proposing currently as a solution. Another solution he proposes if he wins an Auckland Council seat is not to ban helipads as proposed by some Auckland Councilors as it discriminates one section of the Auckland Community assuming they are 'rich folks' As the noise pollution created by purported incessant flights could be that of our respected police and rescue community protecting and saving lives. The solution would be to liaise with the various stakeholders to observe flight rules, where flights across high density populated residential and suburban areas under Auckland Council Unitary Plan must not be less than 500 Sq. ft., where if so, a fine of $10000 is incurred. Flight paths can be organized by Auckland Airport Flight Control, Auckland Council and various flight users, private and public across 'body of waters' for safer flights while addressing noise pollution. With the proviso of 'incident base' policing and rescue flights being exempted unless it happens every day, say from 3-5 am being used as a 'short cut' after work flight path creating sleep deprivation amongst local residents affecting those having to work early without proper rest which could affect their driving and endanger lives. He will investigate the overspend in rode cones which is for 'temporary traffic management' for repairs and maintenance. In Auckland Central there has been a section of a road clogging traffic for 8 over years costing council, ratepayers and renters $15000 monthly (100 cones x $5.00 Nz per cone x 12 month x 8) and $14.4 million. Extrapolate that to North Shore and Northcote (at least 3 areas) that would be approximately $50 million x 10 more Auckland council wards/boards that would reach $500 million of council spending, translated to a cost saving of approximately $250-$300 off, the current average rates of $4000 which is shocking. 'Who says rates rises cannot be mitigated and even reduced? I question that'. As a Lion Clubs/RSA and Salvation Army member, he states, 'Serving locally requires a balanced nonpartisan approach eschewing left/right politics focused on cost savings, reducing unnecessary and exorbitant spending to ensure cost of living issues area addressed for all Aucklanders.'
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
United Voices, Stronger Communities
Dr. Eric Chuah former party strategist and electorate candidate for United NZ Hon. Peter Dunne who won the seat of Ohariu-Belmont in Wellington and also former electorate candidate for a centrist party for Auckland seat of Maungakiekie (2023 NZ Parliamentary elections) has nominations confirmed for the Auckland Mayoralty, Auckland Council Ward (Howick), and Howick Local Board. Dr. Eric Chuah as Independent candidate combines academic teaching/research in psychology, sociology and business in London School of Economics, Monash University Global Terrorism Research Centre Australia, Oldenburg University Germany and policy development for Immigration policy(legislated in German Parliament 2020) and EU Commission Report on Hate Crime (2019-2020) with problem-solving consulting experience. He will provide pragmatic Action Plans for better delivery of local council services, mitigate rate rises, reduce unnecessary council spending and ensure safer policing and noise control for local residents and businesses. As a Lion Clubs/RSA/ Salvation Army member, he states, 'Serving locally requires a balanced nonpartisan approach eschewing left/right politics focused on cost savings, fair and positive outcomes for all Aucklanders.' As someone of mixed European and Asian heritage, he represents the multicultural identity that makes Howick one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in Aotearoa. raised with the values of hard work, respect, and connection to community — values that are shared across the many cultures that call this ward home. Howick ward is one of the most diverse in Auckland, yet our leadership hasn't always reflected that diversity. It's time for a fresh voice — someone who understands the realities of multicultural life, supports inclusive progress, and listens deeply to every community. Priorities for Howick Stronger Multicultural Representation Ensuring all communities' concerns are heard at the council meetings for more inclusive policy-making. Smarter Growth and Better Infrastructure Advocating for transport solutions, smarter urban planning, and sustainable development in our rapidly growing suburbs. Youth Empowerment and Civic Engagement Supporting programmes that build leadership skills, civic pride, and meaningful pathways for young people. Safe, Connected Neighbourhoods Investing in public spaces, safety initiatives, and community events that bring us together across cultural lines. 'Let us build together the Howick we deserve'.
