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Youth parliament > Press gallery > Youth Parliament 2007 overview by Danielle Duffield
Youth Parliament 2007 overview by Danielle Duffield
You know, I always thought the slogan for Youth Parliament ‘07 was a tad weird: “What if Young People Ran the Country?”
 By Danielle Duffield
Like - hello! Young people WILL be running the country! Which is
exactly why Youth Parliament 2007 held such significance - it provided
121 youth MPs and 10 members of the Press Gallery with knowledge,
understanding and insight into New Zealand establishment politics.
Held in the Parliament buildings in Wellington from the 8-11 of July,
all youth MPs - each replacing a member of parliament, were provided
with the chance to participate in many different political debates and
procedures.
This included the chance to debate issues such as party pills, NCEA and
youth tax rates in the select committees; to speak on the legislative
bill on climate change; and to discuss any topic of choice in the
general debate.
Participants were also able to talk to the many politicians who came to
watch the event, to ask the Ministers questions, and of course - to
dance to the funky ukulele music at the social function. Alright!
Highlights included:
- Meeting interesting, like-minded youth
- Chatting with politicians and having them actually listen to you
- Getting your voice and opinions heard
- Free pizza :D
- Watching everyone feel flash and important in their suits and fancy outfits (cute :P)
- Being able to gain knowledge of important domestic and international issues
- The ukulele player’s traditional Marxist hat (fully rad)
- Having four days in Wellington at no expense (cheers, government!)
- Receiving genuine insight into the highs and lows of being a politician
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