Speak out

We'd like to hear what you have to say about issues you care about. It might be a proposal to change a law, an opinion expressed in the media or something you are concerned about that affects young people.

Speak out and have your say to government!
When something big comes up in front of the government which is important for young people to know about and have their say on, the Ministry of Youth Development gets young people involved through:

  • online surveys and questionnaires (check out the Child Discipline Bill)
  • talks with groups of young people who are directly affected by the issue (check out the Young Offenders Bill)
  • postcard campaigns (check out Youth Wages Bill)
  • the Provoke Network
  • Activate, a youth advisory group for the Ministry of Youth Development. They do things like present different young people’s voices to Parliamentary select committees on youth bills
  • having good info for young people about the issue and info about how to get involved.

One of the biggest things that Parliament does is look at potential laws and changes to laws (these are called bills). New Zealanders all have the chance to have their say on these bills because they affect everyone. It’s really important young people too get have their thoughts, experiences and opinions heard on bills in front of Parliament.  Here are some guides to help you have your say to government.

You could:
Have your say on government decisions
Lots of government departments too make decisions which affect young people. When these come up, we post good info, links and ways to have your say so you can be a part of the decision making process. Watch this space!

Check out some previous areas young people have had their say in government decision making processes and where things are at:

Youth voices on alcohol advertising
Late last year young people were involved in a government review about the way alcohol advertising in New Zealand is controlled.  Check out what the review was all about, where the decision making is now at and why young people got involved.


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