- Wednesday 8 September 2010
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Youth Parliament 2010
GARETH Power-Gordon (right) enjoyed stepping into the shoes of local MP, Shane Ardern at this year’s Youth Parliament, earlier this month.
ON July 6, I flew down to Wellington to attend the Sixth Youth Parliament; however, this journey started way before going to Wellington.
In the months leading up to the event, I had been out getting opinions from as many youth as possible. I’d also written questions for ministers and read up on my select committee; attending the Youth Parliament meant that all that work would come into effect.
Tuesday started like all openings of Government with a powhiri followed by the official opening by the Governor General.
By 12.30pm we’d heard from Bill English, Paula Bennett, Phil Goff and other MPs from around the country, and after the Briefing on the Bell we headed into select committees.
I was part of the Environmental and Local Government select committee and our job was to make an inquiry into the rugby World Cup 2011. We discussed how we would ensure that it was both an economical, and an environmental success.
We heard from different Government departments and tourism operators on how we were going to cope with the expected 85,000 visitors, most of which will be here for the rugby.
After lunch we went into Caucus. As I was representing Shane Ardern this meant that I attended the National Caucus meeting where we had a debrief on the day so far and what happens in caucus.
To end the very busy first day, we had a panel discussion with the director of the movie ‘Boy,’ and also Paula Bennett and Duncan Garner. This was great as it allowed time for some fun, time to ask questions and meet some amazing people. This finished the first day, meaning we had time to relax before the more serious day that was to follow inside the Chamber.
Day Two began with breakfast at Parliament where we watched the Netherland’s semi-final with some of the MPs. After that, it was back to the select committees to finalise our reports.
Once we got into the debating chamber we took our seats and, as it turns out, I was the first to speak. Question time had begun and as I was first I took the opportunity to ask Paula Bennett about youth issues; this lead on to the General Debate, which was both serious and fun. The legislative debate and vote finalised Youth Parliament.
It was an awesome experience in which I learnt a lot about how Parliament works and met some MPs who provided a lot of support and information about the place where the country is lead from.
It is one thing watching it on TV, but something completely different being there and doing it for yourself.
