Becoming Youth MP provides an opportunity to advocate for young people

Happening every three years, Youth Parliament gives young people a unique opportunity to get a first-hand look at how democracy works in New Zealand.

According to the Office of the Clerk, Youth Parliament has five objectives:

replicate the Parliamentary process

involve as many young people as possible (before and after the event)

maximise the educational opportunities of the event

enhance Parliamentary public relations

make known the views expressed to appropriate policy agencies.

120 young people, aged 16 to 18, represent sitting MPs at the two-day Youth Parliament event being held in July, as part of a six-month tenure beginning in March.

Another 20 youth, aged 16 to 24, get the opportunity to be part of the Youth Press Gallery, reporting on the activities of the Youth MPs during 2022, as well as having the chance to learn from some of the country’s best political journalists.

The 2022 Youth Parliament will also include, for the first time, a Youth Clerk of the House who will be learning from the Clerk of the New Zealand House of Representatives and witnessing the inner workings of Parliament.

The six-month tenure as Youth MP allows those involved to build a relationship with their local MP and receive training, information and resources to prepare them for their roles.