Youth Parliament opens with robust debates and walkouts

By Cerys Gibby, 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.

On Tuesday morning (01 July 2025), Youth Parliament officially began with the knocking of the black rod on the chamber door. In the formal opening of Youth Parliament, the Usher of the Black Rod summoned 123 Youth MPs and 20 Youth Press Gallery Members to the Legislative Chamber, where the ceremony began. Following the ceremony was the first of two General Debates, in which 80 rangatahi (young people) were given the opportunity to speak for three minutes about issues important to them.

While the current political climate seems to be driving people apart, Youth Parliament as an organisation is a non-partisan kaupapa that seeks to bring young people together. Youth MPs came from a variety of backgrounds and came to Parliament on Tuesday with an even greater array of viewpoints. Youth MPs made speeches on mental health, the environment, the treatment of Māori in the education system, and laws that affect farmers. Their common ground? Passion. The speeches made in the Debate Chamber came with a true sense of power, having come from the lived experiences of diverse people.

In the first round of the General Debate, 40 Youth MPs delivered speeches from all places on the political spectrum. Minister for Youth James Meager was present for many of the speeches and expressed that the contributions he saw were “robust.” A number of Youth MPs received energetic applause from the chamber, members of the public in the gallery, and the Youth Press Gallery after their speeches.

Despite the overwhelming positivity in the chamber, the General Debate wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. In bringing a group of politically active young people together and asking them to share their political opinions, controversial topics often come to the forefront of the conversation. One Youth MP delivered a speech in which they stated their belief that some communities receive “special treatment” because of their identities, and that they want this to change. The communities that they named were the rainbow, Māori, and Pasifika communities. The member stated that “I don’t care if you’re gay, if you’re Māori, if you’re Samoan, or if you’re Tongan.” They then proceeded to speak about their belief that people should be rewarded for their individual qualities, not the identities they belong to.

Throughout this controversial speech, several Youth MPs walked out of the chamber in protest. The speaker of the house reminded the Youth MPs that they were there to listen to and respect the opinions of other young people, and to be tolerant of other member’s views. However, many Youth MPs, including those who remained seated, felt that the speech was purposefully inflammatory towards Pasifika, Māori, and rainbow individuals. Youth MPs, Youth Press Gallery Members, and whānau watching from the public gallery were there to witness the member’s speech, many of whom were a part of the communities that were spoken about. An anonymous Youth Parliament participant said they believe that claiming that the aforementioned communities get “special treatment” not only demeans the systemic discrimination that they face but implies that their achievements are solely due to their identity rather than personal merit.

The decision by some Youth MPs to walk out of the chamber itself has been controversial. Minister James Meager was not present for the speech that prompted the walkout but said that it was “quite sad” to hear that Youth MPs were engaging in this behaviour. The standing orders agreed to by Youth MPs state that: “You may not walk out of the chamber if you disagree with another member’s speech.” The Minister for Youth said in a mock press conference for Youth Press Gallery members that all Youth Parliament participants were there to experience a wide range of personal opinions. “In a political environment, people are bound to test boundaries, but the programme was set up as much as possible to remain non-partisan”.

While the events may have put a damper on the moods of some Youth Parliament participants, many still found the day enjoyable. “It’s been really great to get into the programme,” one member said. The Youth Parliament event will continue into the 2nd of July, with another day of debating and looking to address issues currently affecting youth.