UN Youth Model Parliament

Four of our members recently spent three full on days in Christchurch at New Zealand Model Parliament, hosted by UN Youth. This national event for secondary school students focused on New Zealand's parliamentary system. Attendees experienced the process of a bill becoming legislation through the House of Representatives by taking on the role of a Member of Parliament and debating interesting, pressing and relevant issues. 
Working in Select Committees, they learnt about specific areas of NZ politics (eg Maori affairs, Environment, Justice) and applied this knowledge to a mock bill, debating whether or not to codify and entrench New Zealand's constitution.
All four youth came away with a far greater understanding of politics in NZ and a desire to take part in more events like this. The opportunity to think big, debate, hone public speaking skills and hang out with other like-minded youth was amazing!
Owen Thornton represented as a Labour MP for Christchurch East, in the Justice Select Committee.
Rocco Cullen represented as a Labour MP for the Hauraki-Waikato electorate, in the Environment Select Committee.
Noah Bentley represented as a National MP for the East Coast electorate, in the Maori Affairs Select Committee.
Petra Jellyman represented as a National MP for the Northland electorate, in the Maori Affairs Select Committee.