Three youth from Hamilton are among the 120 Youth MPs and 20 Youth Press Gallery members who have gathered in Wellington to attend the two-day Youth Parliament event which got underway today.
Over the next two days, Youth MPs will get to experience all aspects of Parliament by taking part in mock debates, attending caucus sessions, sitting on select committees, asking oral questions of Ministers, and engaging in legislative and general debates in the debating chamber.
Each Youth MP is between the age of 16 and 18 years and was selected by the local Member of Parliament to represent them and their community at Youth Parliament 2019.
The Youth Press Gallery members, aged between 16 and 24 years, provide independent reporting of Youth MPs’ activities during their tenure.
Youth Parliament 2019 is organised by the Ministry of Youth Development. This is the ninth Youth Parliament and it’s been 25 years since the first Youth Parliament.
Meet the Hamilton Youth MPs:
My name is Nikita Raman and I am a zealous learner, with a passion to make a difference in the world. I live in Hamilton and am currently in Year 13 and am the Deputy Head Girl at Sacred Heart Girls’ College. Outside of school I love playing badminton, bowls and netball, and enjoy playing the keyboard and piano. I strongly believe in giving back to the community and am involved in many voluntary projects with Lions Club New Zealand.
Representing MP: Hon David Bennett
I’m an 18 year old with a love for music, outdoors & basically anything that involves creativity. I’ve a heart for seeing unity between the different people groups we have in New Zealand. Having spent 8 years of my life living in the Middle East, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for different cultures: their histories, their values. I’m particularly passionate about seeing an education system in New Zealand that caters to people from all cultural backgrounds.
Representing MP: Jamie Strange
My name is Henry Yao and I am currently in Year 12 at Hamilton Boys’ High School. In my spare time, I enjoy playing football, debating and playing the guitar. An issue I am passionate is mental health, and I hope to be involved in the healthcare sector, perhaps in Policy, after I finish high school. I also enjoy indulging in some good old Parliament TV from time to time.
Representing MP: Hon Tim Macindoe
(Biography/Pictures courtesy: Ministry of Youth Development)
– from NewsViews
