Supporting young local leaders
Parliament was in recess last week but it was still a busy time for me with visits around the electorate, and the rest of New Zealand.
Last Friday I announced Michael Fryer as my Youth MP for 2013. Michael is from Levin and well known in the community as the former Chair of the Horowhenua Youth Council.
Michael will take my seat in Parliament and represent the young people of Kapiti and Horowhenua on 16 and 17 July of this year. I’m sure he will do a great job.
On Friday I also spoke to a group of about 30 young farming leaders from across New Zealand at the Tender Tips asparagus company, just north of Levin.
The main message I had for this group was to push themselves, to get out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to express yourself.
Before getting into politics I entered many young farmer competitions because I wanted to keep learning and improving. Now that I’m a bit older I’m always keen to support young leaders in their development – like these young farmers and Michael Fryer.
Our region is a great place for young people to grow up. Both Kapiti and Horowhenua District Councils run successful Youth Councils, which are a great place for our future leaders to express themselves and shape the future of our region and country.
The future looks bright with these talented young local leaders coming through.