Three Thames High students will be winging their way to Wellington next year after being selected by local MPs to join the Youth Parliament.
Crystal Te Moananui was chosen by Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta, Rea Toma by Green Party List MP Catherine Delahunty, and Veronica Manning by Thames Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.
Crystal, Rea and Veronica are among the 121 Youth MPs who’ll represent their communities in the Youth Parliament.
Their tenure starts in February, with the Youth Parliament gathering in Wellington in July.
Youth Minister Nikki Kaye said they have an exciting time ahead of them. “Working with their MPs, these young parliamentarians-to-be will get out and talk to young people in their schools and community, to bring their perspectives directly to the heart of our democracy.”
Ms Kaye said “Youth Parliament is an opportunity for young New Zealanders to have their say on the big issues and to share their hopes, dreams and aspirations with MPs, government officials and the public.
Each MP ran their own selection process for a Youth MP to represent them and their community. Some applicants gave speeches on pre-set topics, others recorded a video or attended interviews.
