Youth Parliament 2010

On 6 and 7 July, 132 young people from around the country will participate in Youth Parliament in New Zealand’s House of Representatives. Youth Parliament is an opportunity for young New Zealanders to learn about New Zealand’s democracy and influence public decision-making.

Every electorate and list MP has chosen a young person to take over their seat for Youth Parliament 2010.

While the 122 Youth MPs are in Parliament they will:

• ask oral questions to Ministers
• participate in a general debate about issues facing their communities
• sit on select committees that will consider submissions on selected topics, and report their recommendations to the House
• debate the third reading of a mock bill called the Adult Rights and Responsibilities (Age of Majority) Bill.

Meanwhile, the 10 Youth Press Gallery members, who will be mentored by members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, will report on the proceedings.

The select committee topics, the text of the mock bill, and further information can be found on the Youth Parliament website.