From Idea to Action: Rito o te Pāremata launches “for youth, by youth” guide to petitions

Empowering youth voice is the aim of a new resource from Parliament's youth advisory group, Rito o te Pāremata.

Find the youth guide to petitions here.

The resource aims to help rangatahi understand what petitions are, why they matter, and show young people how to take their views to the floor of the House of Representatives. It has been designed for youth, by youth, ensuring accessibility, relevance, and real youth voice. 

Rito o te Pāremata Chair Liam Calder says the new resource is a crucial step in making Parliament more accessible for young people.

“Rangatahi are passionate about change, but too often the process of engaging with Parliament feels confusing or out of reach. This resource gives young people the tools to take their ideas and passion for change into the democratic process through the petitions process.”

Rito member Princya Karumalil says that petitions offer young people a unique and effective platform.

“The youth voice has the power to turn tides — it is driven by passion and a need to see change. Petitions provide that avenue to voice that opinion; it is both powerful and unifying”.

The guide is designed to make engaging with Parliament less daunting, by offering clear guidance and practical instructions that support rangatahi to take informed action on the issues that matter to them.

The guide walks readers through each stage of the petitions process, and includes:

• A step-by-step explanation of how to create and submit a petition

• Clear guidance on collecting signatures and finding an MP to present your petition

• Examples, illustrations, and youth-friendly language to explain what petitions can achieve

• Practical tips on how petitions are considered and how decisions are made in Parliament 

Liam says breaking down each step helps make the process feel less overwhelming, because when young people understand how the system works “they’re far more likely to see themselves as active participants rather than observers”.

“By simplifying the process, Rito o te Pāremata is able to create a clear roadmap and highlight another important way to engage with Parliament.

“The resource aims to remove the confusion and intimidation that can limit youth participation. Ultimately, it supports rangatahi to feel confident, informed, and empowered to take meaningful action on the issues that matter most to them, strengthening youth voices within Aotearoa’s democratic system".

Rito o te Pāremata was established in 2021 with the aim of improving youth engagement with Parliament. It is a youth advisory group which offers advice to the agencies that support the running of Parliament, the Office of the Clerk and Parliamentary Service. Rito is made up of a small group of rangatahi aged 16–20.