COLUMN: The Daily Chronicle
I’m the second youngest National Party Member of Parliament at 36 years of age and I’ve been on a steep learning curve since I arrived in Parliament in 2005. It takes a while to work out how the ‘system’ works and functions as Parliament is a very regimented place full of hierarchy. No day is ever dull though.
In many ways it is very like when I started on the Horowhenua District Council eight years ago. Then I had to listen and learn for the first few months before participating in the debate. I wish new Councillor Matt Kernohan well in his role and as a near neighbour I have offered to help him where I can. Matt looks like he will be the youngest Councillor in the history of Horowhenua.
Talking of young representation, I have the wonderful opportunity of selecting a Youth MP (16-18yrs) to represent me and Horowhenua and Kapiti at the Youth Parliament. This is an opportunity for someone that is interested in politics, enjoys public speaking and possibly wants to find out more about what an average day is like for an MP.
New Zealand’s 5th Youth Parliament will be held from 8 to 11 July in Wellington. All up 121 Youth MP’s from across the country take part in debates in the Chamber and hold youth select committee meetings. At the same time there is also a Youth Press Gallery that reports on the Youth Parliament.
This is an opportunity to help young people understand what goes on in Parliament and to give them the opportunity to express their views. The teenagers will learn how our system of representative democracy works, by taking part within the parliamentary environment.
Locally I launched Youth Parliament to year 13 students at Waiopehu College last week with National Party Leader John Key. Visiting my old college with our Leader was a real highlight for me and the students seemed keen to learn more about what is involved to become a Youth MP. John Key talked to the students about aspiration and aiming for success. John Key grew up in a state house and battled hard to succeed, taking every opportunity available to him.
Had I known about this Youth Parliament in my college days it may have meant less time getting lost in Parliament when I arrived as a newbie backbencher 18 months ago!
I have electronic copies of the application form available from my office or at [email protected]. The close off date is 2 April where I will short list and interview applicants before making the selection. Travel and accommodation (billeting) is provided.
If you know of any 16-18 year olds who want to give Parliament a go for three days please call my Levin office phone 3679110. Youth Parliament falls in the school holidays. Who ever is successful will sit in my seat in the house – a great view opposite the Prime Minister in our second row.