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Josh Henderson: A Youth MP to watch

News

Aleksandra Bogdanova
Henderson smiling in a radio production booth
Henderson in a radio production booth  Aleksandra Bogdanova / NZBS

Broadcasting student hopes to educate youth about parliament through podcasts.

Springfield local Josh Henderson was selected by Speaker of the House, Gerry Brownlee, to be his 2025 Youth Member of Parliament. 

The Youth Parliament is a triannual event hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development that allows Kiwi youth to experience a non-partisan parliamentary process and influence government-decision making.  

This year saw a change in procedures, where instead of the Youth MPs simulating a mock bill; they now work in groups of 10-12 to encourage community engagement on selected topics. 

Henderson’s selected topic surrounds strengthening sectors in government that improve education and employment opportunities for young Kiwis with disabilities. 

He says this topic stood out above the rest for reasons that hit close to home. 

“As a neurodivergent learner myself, I’ve kind of ‘done it all’. I’ve been through 12 years of schooling and you kind of get an idea of where you need that support.” 

Josh Henderson and Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee at National Party Conference 2022
Josh Henderson and Rt Hon Gerry Brownlee at National Party Conference 2022 Josh Henderson / Supplied

Going into this year’s Youth Parliament session, which is set to run between June 30th and July 2nd, he will use his real-life experience to fuel his fight to improve schooling conditions for disabled youth. 

Henderson highlighted social isolation, mismanagement, and lack of educational support as key areas of focus that the government should encourage schools to crack down on. 

“Everything to do with youth in education links back to each other; disabilities into bullying into mental health.” 

"For me, the most support and welcome I’ve felt is in the first year of university, which is just a testament to how miserable our education system is treating Kiwi kids.” 

When asked how he thought the Budget was handled in relation to putting support into the disability care sector, Henderson said more action could have been taken, especially in regard to teacher aid.  

“Cutting specialist teachers isn’t the smartest idea, so overall until there’s more detail into where that money is actually going, that’s a net negative.” 

Henderson using the studio desk
Henderson using the studio desk Aleksandra Bogdanova / NZBS

But as he waits to fly up for Youth Parliament, as a radio broadcasting student at the New Zealand Broadcasting school, he plans to use his skills to make a Spotify podcast that educates youth on politics.  

“I want to interview past politicians, current politicians, Youth MPs, mayors, councillors. Get their perspective on politics, so that they’re a little more personable.” 

“I’m providing the community something to listen to get an idea of who these people are more personally, and kind of how they would advise the youth as well.” 

He highlights understanding both local and national politics as being a stepping stone for youth to make meaningful change.  

Change is what he hopes to insight through his general debate speech in the coming Youth Parliament event in Wellington.