Youth MPs don't shy away from walk outs

Tensions were already high following Youth MPs claiming the organisers of the event, the Ministry of Youth Development, or MYD, told them to soften their language and avoid critiques of other parties in general debate speeches.  

The speeches could be about any topic affecting rangatahi in Aotearoa; however, some say they were told to create changes to fit within a strict criteria. 

One Youth MP, who wishes to remain anonymous, made a speech this morning said a lot had changed from the first draft. 

“Every time I referenced a specific organisation, they changed it to ‘system’, it got to the point where I said ‘system’ three times in one sentence.”  

“I had to rewrite mine three times”, another Youth MP, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said. 

In response to these claims, Minister for Youth James Meager emphasised the importance of the non-partisan nature of Youth Parliament – telling youth to prioritise community engagement and strengthening manaakintanga in place of political drama. 

The Youth Press Gallery was privy to emails exchanged between some Youth MPs and the MYD staff, which surrounded the following: 

Additionally, anything written by Youth Press Gallery in relation to Youth MPs for the parliamentary newsletter were met with similar feedback to preserve the non-partisan nature.  

The 11th Youth Parliament programme was opened on July 1st by the former Governor General, Sir Anand Satyanand and general debates were underway at 11am. 

Many debate topics focused on youth mental health struggles, employment, the climate and educational opportunities, and how government programmes can affect certain identities of rangatahi/young people. 

When coming towards the end of the first debate session, Rt Hon Winston Peters’ selected Youth MP delivered a speech on the importance of holding gratitude for New Zealand and the opportunities the government gives rangatahi.  

He opens the debate saying, “Our parliamentary democracy is built on freedom, justice, the rule of law, reason, and especially responsibility. Because of this, our country has a high quality of life, real freedom and countless opportunities. 

“Yet I feel too many have taken our country for granted. Today gratitude is replaced with grievance. I have seen many people hold on to the woes of our history, using it as a crutch to demand special privilege today. Some claim they are being oppressed by their identities, blaming systemic racism, colonialism, homophobia, and transphobia.” 

The latter statement was met with reaction from other youth in the Chamber. 

As Peter’s Youth MP continued with his debate, Youth MPs began to stand up and leave. This caused the Speaker of the House for the session to remind the Chamber about the non-partisan nature of the event, which were mostly ignored by those already exiting. 

When asked about the walk out, a participating Youth MPs that wishes to remain anonymous say they knew about the topic of the speech beforehand and planned the action as a form of protest to the debate’s topic.  

A different anonymous Youth MP who walked out described the speech as ‘targeted.’  

Others were sceptical of the walk out, saying it goes against the nature of Youth Parliament. “We’re meant to listen to all opinions, even the ones we disagree with.” 

Youth Minister James Meager was present for the first half of the general debate but had missed the final speeches, telling the Youth Press Gallery the walkout was news to him.  

In response to those who walked out, he says, “Obviously it’s quite sad. The standing orders that everyone had signed up to, agreed that they would sit and listen respectfully to all of the speeches.” 

He stresses the importance of the participating Youth MPs on remaining non-partisan for the rest of the event, “Ultimately, I’d like for this programme to go forward and be respectful of all the contributions because in Parliament we’re exposed to challenging and robust views all the time, and I expect them to be able to sit there and respond to the views of Parliament.” 

The final speech was given by Jomana Moharram, Youth MP to Green’s Francisco Hernandez. 

She delivered a charged speech, condemning the current government’s approach to Budget 2025 funding allocations. 

“This government has decided it’s not [helping] tangata whenua, not students, not teachers, not healthcare workers, and recently, not women. Instead, it’s millionaires and landlords,” delivers Moharram.  

Despite alleged censorship, Moharram was met with a standing ovation as the first round of debates came to a close.