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Youth MPs to take Parliament by Storm

Mark Gosche

10.08.2007

Budding politicians with ambitions to run the country are set to sharpen their skills at debate and decision-making as Youth Parliament 2007 kicks off on 8 July.

Budding politicians with ambitions to run the country are set to sharpen their skills at debate and decision-making as Youth Parliament 2007 kicks off on 8 July.

Mark Gosche MP for Maungakiekie will be vacating his Beehive seat from 8-11 July to allow 17 year old Elenoa Cook (Tongan) from Otahuhu College to become a youth politician in New Zealand’s fifth Youth Parliament.

Elenoa is one of 121 Youth MPs selected by list and electorate MPs who will get invaluable hands-on experience of how Parliament works.

“Youth Parliament 2007 is about giving young people the opportunity to understand the Parliamentary decision-making process, as well as the chance to express their views to politicians, government officials and the public.

“Young people are the leaders of the future and Youth Parliament 2007 is a fantastic way of introducing the next generation of New Zealanders to the institution of Parliament. It can only improve the quality of our democracy to have as many New Zealanders as possible exposed to the way Parliament works.”

Mark Gosche MP said he was “110% committed” to supporting Elenoa Cook through the Youth Parliament 2007 process.

“I wish Elenoa the very best of luck in this exciting venture. She will be attending the Law and Order Select Committee which is conducting an inquiry into “What should the focus of our youth justice system be?”.

“I have no doubt that all Youth MPs will be able to take back and apply the learnings and experiences of Youth Parliament 2007 in their home electorates. They could also be so inspired by the experience that one day they may choose to pursue a career in politics.”

Youth Parliament is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development on behalf of the Minister of Youth Affairs, and in consultation with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and New Zealand’s 121 MPs.

Running in tandem with Youth Parliament 2007 is the Youth Press Gallery where 10 youth participants will duplicate the workings of the actual Parliamentary Press by reporting on the workings of Youth Parliament 2007. They will have their stories reported in the mainstream press.

For further information, go to www.youthparliament.govt.nz
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