Youth Parliament 2025 E-Newsletter - Second Edition
Below are the articles written by the Youth Press Gallery members for the second edition of the Youth Parliament 2025 e-newsletter!
Note: Articles in this newsletter edition were produced by the Youth Press Gallery at various stages of the Youth Parliament 2025 programme. Accordingly, the content presented reflects the context and timing at the date of its original writing.
Articles
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Censorship censors the real issues
28 August 2025Youth Parliament received publicity due to censorship concerns, however, this left many of the issues Youth MPs are passionate about in the dark. -
Daniel Matthews: Youth MP Turning Real Struggles into Real Advocacy
28 August 2025At 18, Daniel Matthews is stepping into the national spotlight as Youth MP for Banks Peninsula, having been selected by local MP Dr. Vanessa Weenink. -
The Future of Philanthropic Giving in Aotearoa: A conversation with Phoebe Ashdown and Kena Hekau
28 August 2025As Youth Parliament 2025 draws to a close, two co-chairs of the newly established Parliamentary Working Groups (PWGs) reflect on what philanthropic giving looks like for the next generation. -
Gene technology & Aotearoa: What Youth Parliament had to say
28 August 2025As gene editing becomes more integrated into sectors from agriculture to medicine, the working group focused on how different parts of the country, especially the workforce, are responding, and how youth perspectives can shape future policy. -
Give us a voice, and we will speak
28 August 2025Youth MPs in the Online Safety Parliamentary working group share insight on the dangers of the online world. -
Hipkins’ Youth MP calls for more youth employment opportunities
28 August 2025While many view youth leadership as a stepping stone or mere formality, Leader of the Opposition Rt Hon Chris Hipkins’ Youth MP is proving it’s more than just a badge. -
“It’s the System Failing Our Future”: Youth MP Demands Education Reform at Youth Parliament
28 August 2025Mahant Agrawal delivers a powerful general debate speech, criticising the NCEA curriculum -
The Local Youth MPs’ Message to the Selwyn District Council
28 August 2025A local Youth MP, inspired by New Zealand’s Chief Children’s Commissioner, urges the Selwyn District Council to place more young people at the decision-making table. -
Make It 16 Co-Director involved in Youth Parliament
28 August 2025The Make It 16 campaign started in Youth Parliament in 2019. Now, one of the organisation’s co-directors is serving as Lan Pham’s Youth MP with a focus on community and connection. -
Neeve Smith analyses voluntary nature credits market
28 August 2025Youth Parliament 2025 was filled with numerous fantastic speeches that exemplified the passions of young people from across Aotearoa New Zealand. One Youth MP that brought forward a potent perspective was Neeve Smith of the Wairarapa Electorate, who spoke fervently on the effects of the emerging voluntary nature… -
Prime Minister's Youth Parliament address receives mixed reviews
28 August 2025The Prime Minister's address to this year's Youth Parliament has received mixed reviews from Christchurch Youth MPs, with one saying Christopher Luxon failed to read the room. -
Taonga Placed on Desks in Coordinated Protest at Youth Parliament
28 August 2025Tension was running high in the debate chamber during the second round of general debate speeches, when a speech triggered a visual protest among many Māori and Pasifika Youth MPs. -
The kids are alright: Meet the Youth MPs making philanthropy cool again
28 August 2025How do we create a culture where volunteering, be it time or money, is simply part of the Kiwi identity? -
Youth MP sheds light on the cost-of-living crisis at Youth Parliament 2025
28 August 2025Tautalaleleia Sa’u, used his allocated three minutes to speak about the cost-of-living crisis many young people are struggling with today. -
Youth Parliament opens with robust debates and walkouts
28 August 2025We call them “the leaders of tomorrow,” but at Youth Parliament 2025, 123 Youth MPs are becoming the leaders of today. A wide array of perspectives were brought to the table, but controversial topics also triggered walkouts in the chamber. -
Youth MP’s urge the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha to create a “truly inclusive” environment for disabled/whaikaha learners
28 August 2025The 2025 Youth Parliament event saw rangatahi (young people) organised into groups of eight – ten based on topics of interest where they hope to facilitate change at a Government level.