Youth Parliament 2025 Sparks Vital Discussions Among Future Leaders

On July 1-2, 2025, the Beehive in Wellington hosted Youth Parliament, a gathering of 143 politically engaged young individuals dedicated to addressing pressing issues. Among them, 123 served as Youth Members of Parliament (Youth MPs), while an additional 20 members formed the Youth Press Gallery, tasked with documenting the event’s proceedings.

Participants from East Auckland included Cerys Gibby and Abby Plom from Pakūranga College, along with Sam Swallow and Taara Malhi from Macleans College. The event consisted of several key components designed to empower youth voices.

Engaging in Debate

The first major aspect of Youth Parliament was a general debate, which unfolded over two days. Youth MPs, including Plom and Swallow, delivered three-minute speeches on issues that resonate with their peers. Gibby and Malhi, as members of the Youth Press Gallery, observed the discussions with keen interest. Gibby noted her excitement at sitting in the same chamber where notable journalists like Jessica Mutch McKay and Paddy Gower once sat, captivated by the powerful messages conveyed by the Youth MPs.

A recurring theme throughout the speeches was mental health. Notably, Taiko Edwards-Haruru, the Youth MP for Whanganui, passionately addressed the struggles faced by young people, stating, “our young people are not just struggling – they are suffering.” Plom also delivered a compelling speech regarding disparities in the education system, which garnered enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Another poignant moment came from the Youth MP representing the Wairarapa electorate, who highlighted the implications of the emerging voluntary credits market for farmers in the Hawkes Bay region. “In recent years, my community has seen valuable farms go up for trees,” she stated, sharing insights that reflected her rural upbringing and broadened the perspectives of those in attendance.

Collaborative Solutions and Real-World Issues

Youth Parliament emphasized the importance of amplifying diverse voices, fostering an environment where every young person had the opportunity to contribute. In addition to the general debate, the event featured a mock press conference with the Minister for Youth, James Meager. Participants engaged in lively discussions, asking challenging questions while also collaborating on various topics.

Youth MPs formed 11 working groups to tackle real-world issues such as online safety, biodiversity credits, and support for disabled learners. Leading up to the event, they consulted their communities to gather insights, ensuring their recommendations reflected the concerns and ideas of their peers. During the event, these groups presented their findings and made recommendations to relevant ministries, actively working towards solutions for their communities.

Another key element of the program was question time, which mimicked the actual parliamentary process. Nineteen Youth MPs posed questions to ministers about significant government issues, receiving detailed responses. Following the ministers’ replies, supplementary questions were allowed, creating an atmosphere of engagement similar to real parliamentary sessions.

As Youth Parliament concluded on the afternoon of July 2, emotional farewells marked the end of a transformative experience. The event facilitated connections among young people from diverse backgrounds, whether urban students, tradespeople concerned about job markets, or teenagers from rural settings. This gathering showcased a collective commitment to ensuring that youth voices are heard in the halls of power, setting the stage for future leaders to enact meaningful change.