Daniel Matthews: Youth MP Turning Real Struggles into Real Advocacy
By Kyla Allen-Boyd, Youth Press Gallery, Youth Parliament 2025
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.
At 18, Daniel Matthews is stepping into the national spotlight as Youth MP for Banks Peninsula, having been selected by local MP Dr. Vanessa Weenink. But unlike many of his peers in Youth Parliament 2025, Daniel isn’t coming from a classroom – he’s coming from the basketball court, the job site, and a life shaped by learning challenges and lived experience.
Matthews left school early, not because he didn’t care, but because dyslexia made it nearly impossible to keep up. Despite support from teachers, he often felt overwhelmed and left behind. In his words, “school wasn’t for me.” He says that no matter how hard his teachers tried to help, he just couldn’t engage with learning. Rather than continue down a path that wasn’t working, Matthews chose to forge his own.
🏀 Leading from the Sidelines: A Basketball Mentor
Matthews’ leadership is most visible in the gym. He coaches an under-15 boys’ basketball team and referees games across all levels, from under-13s to under-20s. For the young athletes he works with, he’s not just a coach – he’s someone who understands challenges, keeps it real, and leads by example.
Recently, Matthews has been working closely with his local basketball club, preparing to interview club members and volunteers to gather insights about the inclusive programs they run. He’s learned that some local teams hold modified basketball sessions for people with physical injuries or special needs, making the sport accessible to those who might not be able to fully participate in a regular game. These sessions offer opportunities for people to stay active, feel included, and enjoy the benefits of sport in a welcoming environment.
Matthews plans to highlight these programs during Youth Parliament, promoting the idea that inclusive sport deserves more recognition and funding at the national level.
📘 A Tough Road Through Education
Matthews‘ struggles with dyslexia began early and continued through his school years. Despite trying different learning tools and strategies, reading and writing remained incredibly difficult. Teachers put in the effort, but the system just wasn’t built for how he learns. Eventually, he made the decision to leave school and seek a path that better fit his strengths. Now, instead of textbooks and tests, he focuses on practical work, coaching, and community involvement – areas where he can use his natural leadership and communication skills.
🔧 Chasing a Career in the Trades – with Major Barriers
Matthews wants to become a tradie – to work with his hands, build things, and contribute to the community. But the road ahead isn’t simple. He is currently enrolled at Ara Institute of Canterbury and completing a level 3 certificate in mechanical engineering however, the fees are around $10,000. At the same time, New Zealand faces a shortage of tradie jobs, meaning even with a qualification, there’s no guarantee of stable work.
He’s concerned that students like him are being pushed into debt with no real pathway to pay it back. It’s one of the key issues he wants to raise in Parliament – how to make vocational training more affordable and employment in the trades more accessible.
Matthews believes that if the country needs more skilled workers, then it also needs to invest in them – especially young people from working-class or non-academic backgrounds who are ready to contribute but face steep upfront costs.
During Matthews’ general debate speech during the Youth Parliament event in Wellington, he began to ask for current and future governments to support the employers and take on new apprentices.
🗳 A Youth MP with Grounded Experience
Matthews’ approach to politics isn’t about polish – it’s about honesty. As someone who left school, lives with dyslexia, and works in his community every week, his experience brings a real-world perspective to Parliament.
As Youth MP, he plans to focus on:
● Increased learning support for students with dyslexia and other learning needs
● Expanded funding for inclusive community sport
● Affordable access to vocational education and better pathways into trades
While other Youth MPs may talk about theory and policy, Matthews talks about what’s happening right now in homes, gyms, and workplaces across Banks Peninsula. His strength is in his ability to connect with people from all walks of life—and to speak up for those whose voices are too often overlooked.
Photo caption: Youth MP Daniel Matthews speaks in the Debating Chamber
🌱 From Court to Chamber
Matthews may not have followed a traditional path, but that’s exactly what makes his voice so important. Through coaching, refereeing, and lived experience, he’s become a grounded, practical leader with a strong sense of purpose.
As he prepares to represent Banks Peninsula in Wellington, his goal is clear: bring the real issues facing young New Zealanders – especially those who learn or live differently – into the heart of the national conversation.