Youth parliament

Youth Parliament

Youth Parliament aims to help young people understand what goes on in the government and give them the opportunity to express their views and opinions to politicians, the government and the public.

Youth Parliament has been held every three to four years since 1994. New Zealand’s fifth Youth Parliament was held from Sunday 8 to Wednesday 11 July 2007. The next Youth Parliament is likely to be in 2010.

Young people from around New Zealand are chosen by their local MP to be a Youth MP. During Youth Parliament Youth MPs have the opportunity to debate a mock Bill, engage in general debate, sit on Select Committees and ask parliamentary questions of Cabinet Ministers.

Meanwhile their Youth Press Gallery colleagues report on their activities and make sure they are held accountable to the public.

Youth Parliament is as real as possible. Government personnel and procedures are maintained.

Objectives
The objectives of Youth Parliament are to:

• give young people the opportunity to have their views heard by key decision-makers and the general public
• help young people to understand and actively participate in parliamentary processes
• help young people learn how to influence governmental decision-making as active citizens
• highlight the importance of helping young people to understand how decisions are made and how young people can be involved in influencing their worlds.

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