Macleans College sends Youth MP to Parliament
Posted on July 29, 2019
Year 13 student Hayley Xie (Upham House) recently attended the 2019 Youth Parliament as the Youth MP representing Simeon Brown, National MP for Pakuranga.
One hundred and twenty young people from across the country met in Wellington to imitate the workings of the New Zealand Government every three years, marking the culmination of their time as Youth MPs.
After arriving in Wellington, the students attended an official tour and orientation evening. On the first official day Hayley was fortunate enough to have a conversation with the Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy. Following this they headed into the debating chamber for Question Time with the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the government Ministers. Hayley was able to ask the Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, about their recently announced plans to reduce debt to 20% of GDP within the next three years. The afternoon involved select committee hearings and submissions as well as a short caucus meeting with various MPs.
The second day was busy with more discussions in the Legislative Debate involving the Sustainable Energy mock bill, followed by a personal vote. After lunch, they had the opportunity to listen to other Youth Members of Parliament speak passionately on a wide range of issues in the General Debate.
For Hayley the experience of being a Youth MP has been remarkable. It has provided her with the motivation to continue her involvement with civics education for the youth of Pakuranga. It has also given her valuable insights into the working of the New Zealand parliament, which were greatly enhanced by the skilled mentoring provided by MP Simeon Brown.
