Latest news with #YouthParliament2025
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Youth Parliament 2025 Participants Announced
Press Release – New Zealand Government Minister for Youth The 123 Youth Members of Parliament and 20 Youth Press Gallery members officially announced for 2025 represent the best of New Zealand, Youth Minister James Meager says. 'Our Youth MPs come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own unique story, bringing diverse points of view to Parliament and a fresh way of looking at the biggest challenges we face,' Mr Meager says. 'Youth MPs will now engage with other young people in their community to gather their ideas and bring those views to Parliament, while Youth Press Gallery members will be drawing attention to the issues the Youth MPs are working on and helping generate interest around what happens. 'They will then take part in the Youth Parliament on 1 – 2 July in the Parliamentary precinct in Wellington, experiencing first-hand what it's like to be at the highest decision-making table in the country.' Among the 123 Youth MPs selected by MPs to participate this year are Maevi Fleming (17) from Roncalli College in Timaru who has been nominated by Mr Meager as his own Rangitata Youth MP. Mr Meager says Maevi was someone who grew up in a similar background as he did, and who is now an advocate for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Other talented young people taking part include Abby Plom (17) from Auckland, selected by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and representing Botany. Through her roles as School Student Representative and Chairperson of the Howick Youth Council, Abby says she's realised how important it is for youth to be represented and heard, and how much work still needs to be done to create a fairer, more inclusive community. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has chosen Ryan Grant-Derepa (17) from Upper Hutt as his Remutaka Youth MP. Ryan wants to advocate for better pathways into employment so every young person, no matter their background, has the chance to build a future they can be proud of. Youth Parliament also has its own Youth Press Gallery. Korus MacDonald (16) from Havelock North is the youngest Youth Press Gallery member selected for 2025. Korus says the role of the Press Gallery within our democratic Parliament is a key interest of his, and he's excited for the insights and learning experiences this opportunity will bring. 'Young people are our future, and it is fantastic we have youth who are passionate about causes that affect us all, both in and out of politics – and who have an interest in working to help make a difference. I encourage them to give their absolute best in every area,' Mr Meager says. 'I also want to acknowledge the members of the Multi-Party Reference Group in Parliament who've supported me in guiding Youth Parliament 2025, as well as the work of the previous Minister for Youth Matt Doocey for his advocacy in continuing Youth Parliament this year. I can't wait to see what our young people deliver at Youth Parliament 2025.'
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Youth Parliament 2025 Participants Announced
Minister for Youth The 123 Youth Members of Parliament and 20 Youth Press Gallery members officially announced for 2025 represent the best of New Zealand, Youth Minister James Meager says. 'Our Youth MPs come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own unique story, bringing diverse points of view to Parliament and a fresh way of looking at the biggest challenges we face,' Mr Meager says. 'Youth MPs will now engage with other young people in their community to gather their ideas and bring those views to Parliament, while Youth Press Gallery members will be drawing attention to the issues the Youth MPs are working on and helping generate interest around what happens. 'They will then take part in the Youth Parliament on 1 – 2 July in the Parliamentary precinct in Wellington, experiencing first-hand what it's like to be at the highest decision-making table in the country.' Among the 123 Youth MPs selected by MPs to participate this year are Maevi Fleming (17) from Roncalli College in Timaru who has been nominated by Mr Meager as his own Rangitata Youth MP. Mr Meager says Maevi was someone who grew up in a similar background as he did, and who is now an advocate for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Other talented young people taking part include Abby Plom (17) from Auckland, selected by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and representing Botany. Through her roles as School Student Representative and Chairperson of the Howick Youth Council, Abby says she's realised how important it is for youth to be represented and heard, and how much work still needs to be done to create a fairer, more inclusive community. Labour leader Chris Hipkins has chosen Ryan Grant-Derepa (17) from Upper Hutt as his Remutaka Youth MP. Ryan wants to advocate for better pathways into employment so every young person, no matter their background, has the chance to build a future they can be proud of. Youth Parliament also has its own Youth Press Gallery. Korus MacDonald (16) from Havelock North is the youngest Youth Press Gallery member selected for 2025. Korus says the role of the Press Gallery within our democratic Parliament is a key interest of his, and he's excited for the insights and learning experiences this opportunity will bring. 'Young people are our future, and it is fantastic we have youth who are passionate about causes that affect us all, both in and out of politics – and who have an interest in working to help make a difference. I encourage them to give their absolute best in every area,' Mr Meager says. 'I also want to acknowledge the members of the Multi-Party Reference Group in Parliament who've supported me in guiding Youth Parliament 2025, as well as the work of the previous Minister for Youth Matt Doocey for his advocacy in continuing Youth Parliament this year. I can't wait to see what our young people deliver at Youth Parliament 2025.'
NZ Herald
24-04-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Youth Parliament 2025: Hawke's Bay MPs select young leaders
A former Youth MP herself, Wedd said she knew what she was looking for and it was Chris' passion for politics and drive to make a difference that made him stand out. 'He is perfectly placed to be a voice for the electorate's youth,' she said. 'We have such an amazingly talented youth population and Chris is a true leader who isn't afraid to stand up to the issues.' Proctor said it was a privilege to be selected and he is excited to bring everything to the role. 'Tukituki has so much to offer, and I can't wait to champion our region,' he said. Joining Proctor will be Neeve Smith, a student at Central Hawke's Bay College, selected by Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick. Smith lives on a sheep and beef farm near Waipukurau. She is a passionate advocate for her community, has participated in national leadership events, and co-founded an award-winning Young Enterprise Scheme business called Retouch & Co, addressing the rising demand for skincare that balances aesthetics with protection. 'I am delighted that Neeve will represent me at Youth Parliament 2025 and I am looking forward to seeing her engage with young people from Wairarapa, Tararua, and Central Hawke's Bay to hear what's important to them,' Butterick said. Smith said it was a privilege to be selected and she is looking forward to connecting with people across the Wairarapa Electorate communities to represent them on the issues they want to raise. Representing the Napier electorate will be St Joseph's Māori Girls College student Mariah Wakefield-Otene, selected by Katie Nimon. Nimon said the application process was highly competitive, with an overwhelming number of high-quality applications from young people across the electorate. 'Upon meeting Mariah, it was clear she is a smart, confident young woman,' Nimon said. 'I was really impressed hearing about what's important to her and what she wants to achieve in the future. I can't wait to work with her and see the fresh perspectives she will bring to the table.' The two-day event will take place on July 1 and 2 at Parliament in Wellington.
