Youth Parliament 2025 gets underway

123 Youth MPs, all representing current sitting MPs, congregated in Wellington for the start of this year’s Youth Parliament which begins on July 1st. 

 The programme, run by the Ministry of Youth Development operates every three years, in accordance to each parliamentary term. 2025’s Youth Parliament marks it’s 11th event, with the first one being held in 1994.  

James Meager says it’s important for parliamentarians to work closely with rangatahi to ensure the future is in strong and capable hands, saying that he is “really looking forward to spending time during the coming days.” 

Young people from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Invercargill all congregated in Wellington for an informal meet and greet with other Youth MPs. They were welcomed into the Beehive in a powhiri led by local iwi Te Āti Awa.  

Meager’s Youth MP, 17-year-old Maevi Fleming from Roncalli College in Timaru delivered a speech to the rangatahi participating in Youth Parliament. 

She recounted her own experiences of growing up in a single parent household; saying her drive came from getting first-hand accounts of what modern Kiwi youth struggle with. 

In her speech, Fleming called the Youth Parliament to action, encouraging that her peers do not take this opportunity for granted, and to be grateful for being given the democratic opportunity. 

“It shows us that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, we are the leaders of today. Each of us bring a unique perspective, shaped by our whanau, our community and our lived experiences. That diversity is our strength.” 

For 2025, the mock select committees of previous Youth Parliaments are being replaced by parliamentary working groups, or PWGs, where Youth MPs get the opportunity to discuss issues impacting young New Zealanders. The 12 PWGs are allocated by preference; ranging from biodiversity credits to disabled learners, to online safety, to gambling harm.  

Groups, as well as Youth Parliament as a whole, is designed to be non-partisan. Youth MPs are encouraged to distance themselves from the political opinions of their MPs, but rather discuss issues being faced by their local communities around Aotearoa. 

Over two days Youth Parliament runs, 80 out of the 123 will get a chance to make a speech in the debating chamber on whatever issue they are passionate about. Other Youth MPs will be able to pose questions to current MPs in a simulated question time.  

On the first day of operation, June 30th, participants got acquainted with one another through exploring the Beehive, Parliament and the National Library. For some, it was their first time stepping foot into a building they aspire to one day work in. 

Spirits are high, youth are politically driven, and many are eager to see change be made as Youth Parliament opens its doors for the 1st of July.  

The Youth MPs are also joined by 20 members of the Youth Press Gallery.