What happens at the Youth Parliament?

• Opening of the Youth Parliament by the Governor-General
• Select Committees of enquiry of relevant Government agencies
• Oral Question time in the House
• Debate on a specific Bill proposed by the Youth MPs
• General Debate in the House
• Visits to the various 'inner workings' of the Parliamentary Complex e.g. the
• Parliamentary Library, the Office of the Clerk
• Discuss issues and voice concerns with other Youth MPs

The Youth Parliament encourages the involvement of many young people both before, during and after the event. Youth MPs have support groups, run 'electoral clinics', and canvass young people's opinion on the issues that are important to them.

Youth Press officers also work alongside the Youth MP during the build-up to the Youth Parliament. During the Youth Parliament a Youth Press Gallery is formed.

Why would a young person want to be a Youth MP?

A lot of people think Parliament is only what is seen on TV when MPs are arguing at each other in the Debating Chamber. But there are many activities an MP is involved in day to day. These include:

• listening to all different types of people about a range of different issues and concerns
• writing paper and answering numerous letters
• holding and attending meetings
• making decisions
• working with others

Youth MPs briefly experience this challenge in the two days of the Youth Parliament.

Other Youth Parliaments

You can learn more about other Youth Parliaments at these world wide web sites.

http://www.tased.edu.au/tasonline/ymca/yp.htm
http://www.freenet.vancouver.bc.ca/bcyp/welcome.html

Young People's Representation

The benefits of participating and having young people's representation in the Youth Parliament are numerous. It is an opportunity for young people to obtain first hand experience of the processes of government in the Parliamentary system. It is also a forum for young people to have their voices heard by key decision makers on a range of issues that impact on them, both now and in the future. These decision makers include Members of Parliament and government agency officials who often give advice on the policies of government and the implementation of these, all of which impact on the lives of young people.

" I take my position today, as I am sure we all do, very seriously. What we say today is an opportunity for our voices to be heard by MPs and young people all over the country."

Youth MP for Hamilton West 1994 Youth Parliament

The Ministry also encourages youth representation and participation through student representatives on school boards of trustees, youth councils and forums and the many opportunities offered through youth organisations, youth centres and church organisations.

It is important for young people to fully participate in the development of an idea or activity, from its initial planning through to implementation. Young people must not only be consulted and informed, they must have the opportunities to initiate and lead.

Ministry of Youth Affairs

The role of the Ministry of Youth Affairs is 'to promote the direct participation of young people aged between 12 and 251 years in the social, economic and cultural development of New Zealand both locally and nationally'.

The Ministry has three outputs. These are:

• policy advice;
• communication and facilitation; and
• grants administration.

Policy Advice

The Ministry provides policy advice on major issues affecting young people. This includes undertaking and identifying research to inform its advice. In 1996/97 policy advice is being provided under the following four sub classes:

• the identification of needs, and the development of policy solutions for at risk/disadvantaged youth;

• the provision of advice which enhances the ability of young people to reach their full potential and achieve excellence;

• the provision of advice on the effectiveness of models of co-operation and integration in the delivery of programmes and services to young people; and
• Ministerial servicing.

Communication and Facilitation

The communication and facilitation output, in particular, undertakes to:

• increase knowledge and information about young people;
• communicate integrated information to young people on government policies;
• increase participation of young people in local/national decision making;
• fulfil international obligations; and
• complete related Ministerial servicing.

It contributes to the policy advice output through regular targeted consultation with young people and those who work with them.

Grants Administration

This output primarily involves the management of contracts for the delivery of the New Zealand Conservation Corps (NZCC) and the Youth Service Corps (YSC) programmes. It also includes administration of the payment to the Commonwealth Youth Programme and Ministerial servicing related to the NZCC and the YSC.

Both the YSC and the NZCC are development programmes that aim to improve the long term employment prospects and life chances of young people.

Contact

Ministry of Youth Affairs
Te Tari Taiohi
Hitachi House
Level 1 48 Mulgrave St
PO Box 10-300
WELLINGTON
PH: 04-471 2158
FAX: 04-471 2233
e-mail: info@youthaffairs.govt.nz