John Paul College head boy Fintan Walsh will be this country's sole representative at 33Fifty: The Commonwealth Youth Leadership Programme.
The Year 13 student will be flying to Glasgow, Scotland in July to take part in the four-day programme with 100 others under 25 years old. Young people from throughout the Commonwealth will develop their leadership skills, networks and cultural intelligence to help them in their studies, careers and civic life. Senior leaders from across the Commonwealth will act as mentors. The name 3350 is derived of 33 per cent of people living in the Commonwealth with 50 per cent of them under the age of 25.
Fintan said he heard about the programme through his involvement in other United Nations Youth events where a mock assembly was held and each student represented a country. "I have a huge interest in the world and I have an interest in politics," he said.
"I think it's important for young people to be involved and care, with the world the way it is, the environment degradation and global warming, it's up to our generation who will be the ones to come up with a solution."
The 17-year-old's application to 33Fifty was the only one in New Zealand chosen. He will be in Glasgow days before the Commonwealth Games begins.
" ... I will be one of the youngest there but I was really, really happy to hear I was chosen," Fintan said.
"I'm also looking forward to being able to formulate some real solutions to problems which will be read by leaders of the Commonwealth so something I do may have a real impact."
Fintan is looking for sponsors to help with flights.If anyone can help they can call John Paul College on (07) 347 8795.